TABLE TENNIS

Facilities

TABLE TENNIS is, and can be, played in a wide variety of environments which is an advantage because it is easily set up but also a disadvantage as it is easily packed away therefore becoming invisible.

Often the sport is made to put up with sub-standard facilities such as poor lighting, unsuitable floor covering or inappropriate wall colouring.

Compared to most other sports, the size requirements for table tennis are relatively small. Therefore you can play the game almost anywhere.

Ideally, table tennis should be played in a dedicated space with appropriate facilities permanently available, however, that's not always possible.

The main factor in determining what table tennis room size you'll need is the standard / level of competition being played.

So let's take a look at the various room sizes required for different standards / levels of competition.

These are the minimum size dimensions you'll need for the playing area, based on the standard of competition being played:

International Events, World Championships & Olympic Games14m x 7m (46 feet x 23 feet)

National tournaments12m x 6m (40 feet x 20 feet)

National league / Representative matches10m x 5m (33 feet x 16 feet 6 inches)

Local league / Local tournaments9m x 5m (30 feet x 16 feet 6 inches)

Recreational play and coaching8.5m x 4.12m (28 feet x 13 feet 6 inches)

Playing Area

If you want to play table tennis at home, you could use any space that will accommodate a table tennis table (9 feet long and 5 feet wide - 2.74m x 1.525m).

However, any area smaller than the recommended size of 8.5m x 4.12m will mean that you'll be restricted in either the type of strokes you can use and/or your style of play.

But remember, the idea is to HAVE FUN.

Uniform lighting over the whole of the playing area is essential.

The minimum light intensity over the whole of the playing surface (measured at the table surface height) and the clear height from the floor to the light should be as follows:

World Championships & Olympic Games1,000 lux5m (16 feet 6 inches) above the floor

Other International and National tournaments750 - 1,000 lux4m (13 feet) above the floor

National league / Representative matches500 lux3m (10 feet) above the floor

Local league / Local tournaments500 lux3m (10 feet) above the floor

Recreational play and coaching300 lux3m (10 feet) above the floor

Lighting

paramount importance #1 priority non-slip smooth and level able to support the weight of the table tennis table and the

players good contrast between the table top surface and the surrounding

areas, both for the benefit of the players and the spectators; non-reflective

Wooden semi-sprung floors provide the best surface while solid concrete and carpeted floors are totally unsuitable.

All the top international table tennis tournaments now use specialist sports flooring such as Taraflex® made by French company Gerflor. The reddish color of this flooring, together with blue tables, provides a fantastic setting for table tennis.

Type of floor and/or floor covering

The ideal room temperature is 15-20°C with a relative humidity of 40-50%.

adequate ventilation; any condensation will make the floor slippery and will cause the ball to slide off the racket if you're using reverse rubber.

If there are any air conditioning units, you'll also need to ensure that they don't cause any air currents which will deflect the flight of the ball.

Spectators' comfort playing conditions take priority

ROOM TEMPERATURE

Important because the players need a good contrast between the floor, table and wall colors.

non-reflective and painted with a dark color up to a height of at least 2.5m (8 feet).

walls should be painted a lighter color above 2.5m covered up windows or other external light sources

Wall Color

If you're using a table tennis room size that can accommodate multiple tables, they should be arranged side by side rather than long ways.

you should also leave a gangway between the playing areas. This will give you access to each court without the need to disturb the other courts.

In case of Multi-table Venue...

Barriers◦useful to stop the ball from straying too far

and minimize interruptions from other tables.◦must be collapsible rather than solid, so that

they won't harm any player who runs into them

◦1.5m (5 feet) long and 75cm (2 feet 6 inches) high and should completely enclose the playing area

Reference: http://www.allabouttabletennis.com/table-tennis-room-size.html

If you're using more than one table you'll also need some ...