Table Tennis Balls
For beginners to advanced pro level, table tennis balls are an essential piece of equipment to play the sport. With a wide range of table tennis balls to choose from, you are certain to find what you are looking for.
The classic sport of table tennis has been around since the late 1880s. Originally tables tennis balls were made of celluloid (since around 1901) however, celluloid table tennis balls are being phased out and typically you will find most table tennis balls to be made from plastic which is now mandatory at international competition level.
Since the year 2000, there have been two significant changes to table tennis balls which are the size of the table tennis ball that was reduced from 38mm up to 40mm. The second change is the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) decided to promote plastic balls as opposed to the celluloid balls previously used. The plastic balls are known as 'Poly' balls and are used at all gaming levels.
The official rules of table tennis state that table tennis balls need to be spherical in shape and weighs 2.7g and with a diameter of 40mm. It also needs to be made of celluloid or plastic and be either white, orange or matt in colour.
Typically, table tennis balls are classified into distinct categories which includes practice and training balls which are typically softer table tennis balls which are ideal for table tennis players who are just starting out or a young child.
The one star table tennis balls are traditionally used within schools and youth clubs, these tend to be quite a soft ball and can be susceptible to breaking. Two star balls tend to be ideal for multi-ball practice or for players at an intermediate skill level.
For those that are playing at a higher skill level, a three star ball is the best option as this is the highest quality ball available and they are very durable. These are approved by the International Table Tennis Federation.
Regardless of what level of table tennis balls you require it is important to ensure that the ball is no greater than 40mm with a weight of 2.7g and is in an orange, matt or white colour with one seam.
Table tennis balls come in a variety of pack sizes (typically between 1-6 or 7-12), brands, star ratings and colours. Some of the brands available are Dunlop , Butterfly, JOOLA and more. They are available predominantly in brand new condition although you can find some that have been pre-owned as well.