Excellent ping pong players are very attached to their rackets for many good reasons, so they are the piece of table tennis equipment that routinely gets the most attention. But if you're playing at home, don't forget the table. While it may not impact your play personally to the extent of a racket, it's a factor, and having a good table (and regulation height net) helps you develop good habits over time. More than a few players have spent a lot of time playing on iffy tables and non-standard nets only to develop bad habits that need to be unlearned later. You can easily avoid letting yourself becomes one of them.
It's an excellent time to be shopping for a table tennis table because there are more suitable options on the market than ever before. You can find models that fold up and roll away for easier storage and others made of materials durable enough to be kept and used outdoors. The folding models also let one player practice along with the table half folded. Where and how you will use your table has everything to do with which one is best for you. No matter what type you're interested in, there's no need to overspend. You can find excellent tables in the mid-price range that will suit your needs.
Don't forget the net! As we alluded to earlier, it's crucial to play all of your table tennis games on a table with a regulation height net. The proper height is six inches or 15.25 centimeters. Too many players don't take net height seriously and play hours of practice games on tables with nets at non-standard heights. It leads to bad habits that need to be un-learned later, which affects your game and is not much fun. On your home table, go for a net that's sturdy and at the regulation height (doublecheck with a ruler). The screw-on clamps are best because they are more stable than spring-clip models.
Better table tennis play above the beginner level involved learning to put a spin on the ball. Your shots and serves land on the table surface, and it needs to be level and in good condition. A lousy table won't stop you from playing a game, but it also won't give you a playing experience that is consistent with others. It's why playing on stable tables with regulation height nets is such an advantage. With them, your playing style and game develop on equipment that is consistent. You'll then play the same on every table and be able to concentrate on making excellent shots and serves without needing to readjust.
