Have you ever wonder what makes a good ping pong paddle? Some of us might think that the size of the paddle matters. Some of us might even think that if it is a paddle that could hit a ball to the other side of the table, it is a good ping pong paddle. Let me tell you this: There is definitely more than just a usual ping pong paddle. The size of the paddle contributes only a little to the game (that’s why you see paddles with similar sizes nowadays). In fact, one of the most important factors to win a match is this – the rubber sheets on the ping pong paddle.
There are four main types of rubber sheets on ping pong paddles, and they are: Smooth, Short Pips, Long Pips, and Anti-Topspin.
There are four main types of rubber sheets on ping pong paddles, and they are: Smooth, Short Pips, Long Pips, and Anti-Topspin.
Smooth Rubber
If you are a starter, I would recommend you to try out the smooth rubber paddle before attempting any other rubber because you would have control over the paddle more easily. Most of the players, I would say 85% of the tournament players, use smooth rubbers for almost every matches. Smooth rubber is also known as “inverted” rubber. There is a layer of sponge underneath the rubber. Smooth rubber provides you with the most spin if you know how to spin a ball skillfully. Regardless of what type of ping pong players you are (loopers, defensive players, etc.), smooth rubber would be a good rubber for you.
If you are a starter, I would recommend you to try out the smooth rubber paddle before attempting any other rubber because you would have control over the paddle more easily. Most of the players, I would say 85% of the tournament players, use smooth rubbers for almost every matches. Smooth rubber is also known as “inverted” rubber. There is a layer of sponge underneath the rubber. Smooth rubber provides you with the most spin if you know how to spin a ball skillfully. Regardless of what type of ping pong players you are (loopers, defensive players, etc.), smooth rubber would be a good rubber for you.
Short Pips Rubber Short pips rubber is like “pimples” on the paddle. Though some short pips rubbers’ paddles have sponges underneath their rubbers, some do not. The ones without the sponges are often referred to as “hard rubber” paddles. If you do not know how to spin effectively, this type of rubber may be suitable for you. It provides more control for players who have difficulties returning a spinning ball. This kind of rubber is used in old fashioned “Classic” or “Hardbat” play. |
Long Pips Rubber As the name suggest, it has the similar style of surface as the short pips rubber. The only difference is this – the pips are longer. The long pips rubber is unique because it not only helps players to play against a spinning ball; it also helps reverse the spin of the opponent. However, many players do not have a good control on this kind of surface. Therefore, most players apply long pips rubber only on one side of the paddle instead of two. |
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) states that the official paddle for ping pong tournament is paddle with rubber on both sides – red on one and black on the other. It is important to choose the rubber that suits you because it defines the type of player you are. Choosing a thicker sponge paddle will give you more spin and speed; a thinner sponge will provide you with more control.
It is your call now – choose the type of paddle that would grant you more pleasure at playing ping pong!
It is your call now – choose the type of paddle that would grant you more pleasure at playing ping pong!