Recommended equipment for table tennis tournaments

Tables

The one purchase that shapes the whole event. A wobbly or glossy table causes more complaints than anything else.

• Look for a table the manufacturer lists as ITTF approved, with a matt dark surface and a top that returns the ball evenly.
• Competition tables generally have thicker tops and sturdier legs than recreational ones. Thicker tops play more consistently.
• Rolling, folding tables with locking wheels are much faster to set up and pack away in a shared hall.
• Buy or hire one more table than you plan to run. A spare covers a damaged top or a broken net post.

Tip: Hiring from a club or association is often cheaper than buying for a single event. Ask before you spend.

Nets and posts

Net height must be 15.25 cm along its whole length, so a sagging net is a rules problem as well as an annoyance.

• Choose a net set with a tensioning cord and a clamp that holds firm.
• Keep a height gauge in the kit. A cheap one saves arguments before the first match.
• Buy at least one spare net set per eight tables.

Balls

You will use more than you expect. Cracked and lost balls disappear all day.

• The Laws call for a 40 mm, 2.7 g plastic ball, matt, white or orange. For sanctioned events it should be of a brand and type currently approved by the ITTF.
• Three-star balls are the usual choice for tournament matches. Cheaper balls are fine for warm-up tables.
• Use one brand and color of ball across the whole event so players are not adjusting between tables.
• Order by the box, with plenty to spare: a good rule of thumb is a dozen per table for the event, plus a reserve.

Tip: Buy balls a few weeks ahead so a delivery problem cannot delay you.

Barriers and court surrounds

Surrounds keep balls on their own court and mark each table's space clearly.

• Interlocking or linking boards stand up better than loose boards.
• Check the dimensions against the grade of event you run. The equipment guide has the space figures.
• Boards with a plain, dark finish are easier on players' eyes than bright advertising panels.

Tip: If a hall is tight, run fewer tables with proper surrounds rather than more tables with none.

Scoreboards and flip scorers

Players and spectators should see the score at a glance. This also prevents most score disputes.

• Manual flip scorers are inexpensive, need no power and rarely fail. Have one per table.
• Electronic scoreboards help on feature tables and finals but need power and a person to run them.
• Keep spare numbers or cards with every set.

Spare rackets for beginners and loaners

A few loan rackets let new players join in, and rescue a player whose racket breaks mid-event.

• Pre-assembled rackets from a table tennis specialist are the practical choice for a loan set.
• For events run under ITTF or national rules, a player's own racket coverings must be approved. Loaners are mostly for beginner, youth and social events.
• Keep a few smaller-handle options for young players.

Tip: See the youth and school guide for more on equipment for children.

Table covers, trolleys and storage

Protect what you buy. A table cover or trolley pays for itself in avoided damage.

• Fitted table covers keep dust and spills off the playing surface.
• Ball buckets and a simple storage bin keep the kit together between events.
• Barrier trolleys are worth it once you move more than a few sets.

Director's kit

Small items that save the day when something goes wrong.

• A match timer or clock for warm-up and time-limit announcements.
• Floor tape, extension cords, markers and a first-aid kit.
• Clipboards, pens, towels and a few spare scoresheets. The printable forms cover the paper side.
• The tournament checklist lists everything by week.