RayPong

Exercise and training for table tennis

by | Nov 30, 2021 |

Table tennis trainingI was not knowledgeable about appropriate training for table tennis until I discovered the Norwegian site: fittoplay.org. I have yet to try these exercises, but it looks very well thought out (in English). Also appears to be free. Let me know if you try these out.

Table tennis ball weight v2, 2021 Edition

by | Nov 15, 2021 |

Table tennis ballA couple years ago, I posted a comparison of the weight of table tennis balls. Now that we have a new generation of balls, I figured I’d generate a new comparison. These are the four most recent balls I’ve purchased. I used a professional scale to weigh two balls of each type and find the mean.

First, the ITTF requirements

The official rules state that the ball shall weigh 2.7g, but any weight between 2.67 and 2.77g is acceptable for any one ball. No more than 1 ball out of the 24 sampled may be outside this range. The sample mean must be between 2.69 and 2.76g.

Second, the data

My data is based on weighing 2 balls of each variety, then doing a mean. So, yes, I have a smaller quantity sample (ITTF requirements are based on 24 balls), but I’m guessing that my random two balls measurement is representative. All balls were within the mean, so the weight difference between the balls is pretty damn small. All 40+.

Results

Nittaku 40+ Premium White
2.714g

Nittaku 40+ Orange Nexcel
2.761g

Butterfly R40+
2.725g

DHS DJ40+
2.750g

Not really a big difference, but once again, the Nittaku 40+ Premium are the lightest. Weight isn’t the only variable that makes a great ball, but it is the only one I can measure.

2021 WTTC in Houston + Top 10 Shots from 2005 WTTC

by | Nov 11, 2021 | ,

Great chance to see players from around the world. First time the Finals will be played in the USA. Wish I could go… Tix are selling out, so grab them and get to TX for some pong and BBQ.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC). The best table tennis players from around the world will make their way to Houston, TX to compete for a championship title. This year the WTTC will take place at George R. Brown Convention Center from Nov. 23 – Nov. 29.

More info on tickets and more.

 

Street Table Tennis

by | Oct 28, 2021 |

Though I knew there were many public places to play table tennis around the world, I recently discovered there is a new twist: organized amateur competitions. It started in Barcelona and has spread to London and other European cities and towns. In addition, there is a StreetTT app and website which is helping to organize amateurs who want to compete without all the usual training and stress. Seems like a fun idea though I’m not sure the Santa Cruz area has enough public tables to put us on the map. As of last check, the towns involved were all in Europe, but I can see this spreading throughout the world.

Check out The Street Table Tennis Phenomenon for more information.

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