How to Design Ping Pong Paddles

Ping pong is a fun and active game that can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. For many people, inexpensive and simple equipment is adequate. However, as players practice and increase their skill level, equipment should be replaced to allow for more control, spin and power. Advanced players will look to design their own ping pong paddles. Understanding how to design ping pong paddles will help players get the very best out of their new paddle.

Instructions

1

Choose a material to be used for your ping pong paddle. The wooden base of a paddle is called a blade and includes the handle. Most paddles are made of composite wood and artificial materials that offer different advantages for spin, control, speed and power. Handles typically come in two styles, shakehold and penhold. Shakehold handles are curved while penhold handles are straight.

2

Select a pad for your ping pong paddle. Pads affect the paddle's characteristics by being soft or firm, leading to more control or more power. Two pads are required for each ping pong paddle, one for each side. Players can choose to use the same pad on each side or to have different pads to suit different shots. Many players will choose to have a specific pad for both forehand and backhand shots.

3

Choose a rubber sheet that suits your playing style. Rubber sheets are important because they are the contact point between the paddle and the ball. As with pads, two rubber sheets are needed for each paddle, one for each side. Players can use the same rubber for both sides or use different rubber sheets to suit different needs. Paddles must have red rubber on one side and black rubber on the other side.

4

Select an edge tape to protect the edges of your ping pong paddle. Edge tapes do not affect playability, but they can add to a racket's appearance.