Articles

The perfect pad for your racket: how to choose and improve your table tennis game

When it comes to choosing pads for table tennis rackets, many players face a lot of questions. After all, the quality and characteristics of the pad largely determines the success of the game, whether at the amateur or professional level. Online store https://4football.com.ua/table-tennis-rubbers offers a wide range of table tennis pads, and here you will find a detailed guide to choosing pads so that your strokes are always accurate and spectacular.

How do I choose an overlay for my racquet?

Before buying an overlay, it is important to understand your preferred playing style. The choice of overlay depends directly on this factor, as different types of overlays are designed for specific playing styles: defensive, all-around and offensive.

Defense style

If your goal is to control the ball and slow down the pace of play, choose pads with high control and low speed. Defenders tend to prefer anti-spin or long-swing overlays. These overlays allow you to neutralize your opponent's attacks by returning the ball with reverse spin and making it difficult for your opponent.

Versatile style

For players who like to combine offensive and defensive elements, versatile overlays with a balance between speed and control are the way to go. They provide stability and allow you to adapt to different situations on the table. Versatile players often use medium-hard pads that allow them to both attack and block their opponent's shots.

Attacking style

For those who like to dominate the table and take the initiative, overlays with high speed and excellent spin are ideal. These overlays usually have a thick sponge, which gives them maximum power and strength with every hit. Topspins and loops become particularly effective, allowing the attacking player to easily put the opponent in a difficult position.

Types of sponges and their characteristics

There are several types of overlays, differing in stiffness and sponge thickness. Each of these affects the properties of the pad and is suitable for different playing styles.

• Soft sponge (S). Provides more control through longer contact with the ball. The soft overlays also produce a distinctive sound on impact, which many players like. This is a great choice for those who value a sense of control.
• Medium sponge (M). A versatile option that provides a balance between speed and control. The medium stiffness allows for an effective combination of accuracy and speed, making these pads ideal for players with a variety of playing styles.
• Hard sponge (H). Suitable for experienced players who value speed and power. The stiff overlays provide shorter contact with the ball, allowing you to increase your hitting power and make your spins more powerful. This choice is optimal for advanced players who want to improve their skills.

Sponge thickness

The thickness of the sponge of the overlay also affects the performance of the racquet. A thicker sponge (2mm or more) gives the overlay more speed and spin, but reduces control. This is a great option for players looking for an aggressive attack. At the same time, a thinner sponge provides more control due to more direct contact between the ball and the wood of the racquet. Players are encouraged to experiment with different thicknesses to find the best one for their style of play.

What are the different types of overlays?

• Inverted overlays. The most versatile type, suitable for all styles of play. Their sticky top layer allows you to create a strong spin, which is ideal for attacking and versatile players.
• Pads with short spikes. Allows you to easily block punches and neutralize spin. These pads are most often used by players who prefer aggressive punches without a lot of spin.
• Long bearing pads. Chosen by defenders who like to mislead their opponent. These overlays have high spikes that reverse the spin, creating unexpected trajectories for the opponent.
• Lipless overlays (OX). Suitable for those who prefer less spin and more control. They allow you to feel the ball better, but are not as effective for creating a strong spin.

How do I care for the overlays?

Regular care of the pads is the key to their longevity and high performance. To ensure they last a long time, clean the surface of the pads with special care products after each game. For example, STIGA Rubber Clean - is an effective product that restores the surface of the linings and returns them to their former characteristics. After treatment of the linings, it is recommended to store them in a case and avoid extreme temperatures to prevent the linings from drying out and deforming.

When to replace the overlays?

Over time, pads wear out and lose their properties. Professionals recommend replacing pads every 60 hours of play, but life expectancy may vary depending on frequency of use and storage conditions. To check the condition of the lining, you can swipe the ball across the surface: if it slides in the middle, it's time to think about replacing it.

How do you choose an overlay on the 4football website?

At 4football you will find a wide selection of table tennis pads, and experienced consultants will help you find the perfect pads for your style of play. You can also order pads with delivery on the website, making the buying process convenient and fast. We offer consultations so that every customer can find the right product for all their preferences.

So, choosing an overlay is not just a simple purchase, but an important step to improve your level of play. Consider your style, pad type and jaw thickness to achieve the perfect balance between speed, control and spin. With the wide range of pads available at 4football, it's easy to choose the one that will emphasize your strengths and help you become a more confident player at the table.