Science Make sense

After New Year, I purchased a table tennis table and robot for our basement. Well, I would say it was a deliberate and fast decision I have ever made.

Before doing so, you may have to ask few questions such as, space and location (to store it), budget (how much should you spend), player (do you have player to play with), frequency (how often are you going to use it), skills (do you really want to improve your table tennis skills with robot or just an alternative way for indoor exercises). Now I will share some tips or experience or recommendations to help you when you want to setup your one.

How much space do your need for a Table Tennis Table?

The first and important thing to consider is that how much space do you need to set up a table tennis table in your basement?

The dimensions of a full-size table tennis table are 9 feet (2.74m) long, 5 feet (1.525m) wide and 2 feet 6 inches (76cm) high. If you plan two people playing each other, then obviously you need more space behind and to the side of the table to be able to play table tennis. Based on my past experience, you need at least 6 feet behind each end of the table and three feet at each side of the table. Of course, the more space the more comfortable you play with.

In my situation, I have a space with 7.5’ wide and open ended long side and facing window. Also I planed to buy a robot machine to play with, and robot machine doesn't need any space back from the table, so I can push the table right against the wall. Now based on my restricted space available I believe I can just adapt my style and play very well.

Table selection

To be honest, there are so many table tennis tables available on the market that it can be difficult to choose from.

From the table brands point of view, these so called Butterfly, Stiga, Joola, etc., are big players in the market and you can see their advertisements on all tournaments as well, You can also see other brands like Swiftflyte, Kettler, ESPN, Eastpoint, etc. Each of these brands, even within they brands, different kind of table has its own pros and cons. I am sure this topic can be become university student 's master degree thesis.

To my understanding, the value for a table tennis table is all based on the quality of wooden top. In other words, the thicker the wooden top, the better the quality will be, because it determining the ball's bounce.

I got a ESPN 2-Piece Official Size Table Tennis Table from Wal-Mart, the reason I chosen this middle to low price range table, was because I had no idea how well the table surface (related to bouncing, and it plays an significant role during play), and there is no way you can try out before you make a order through online...... 

Finally I got the table, like the price indicated, it is what it is. It may take a little bit of effort or practice for getting used to your table...