About Macarious Abadeer Expertise I can answer any question regards the rule of the game. I also can answer any question about the history and the origin of that game. I can answer questions about the history of the federation. I also can answer any question regards the recommended brands for Table Tennis (nets, rackets, tables and balls). Any question regards the international competitions of Table Tennis, I definitely can deal with it.
Experience I played the role of both player and a referee. I've been playing table tennis for nine years.
Awards and Honors 1- The first in the 1999-2000 summer competition in my country.
2- One from the best eight players 2000-2001 in my city.
3- The second in the 2001-2002 summer competition in my city.
4- The referee of the semi final game in the 2000-2001 summer competition.
Question I played in a few intramural tournaments at the small college I went to years ago, and would love to play again, but the community centers where I now live get their equipment stolen, or have sub-standard equipment. My wife and I have a home, but none of the rooms are big enough for a table.
Anyway, I have two questions. When you serve, does the hand holding the ball have to be flat or can it be curved? Also, does a tournament paddle have to be red on one side and black on the other?
I used to have a red Dick Miles paddle that was excellent, but I don't know what happened to it and cannot find another online. I am better than beginning players and not as good as those who play a lot. I use topspin and undercuts, and love playing. Do you have a recommendation for a good, similar, inexpensive paddle to the Dick Miles that I could maybe find at my local sports store? Our town is going to have a table tennis club starting in September or October.
Thanks for any advice and information.
Answer Dear Bill,
In serving, you should serve with an open palm and the ball must be clear to the other player. You must rise the ball with a flat palm and start serving.
According to the USA Table Tennis Association, it's not fair to use two-color racket so it's OK to use a racket with one color on its both sides.
Regarding good rackets, I use Stiga. It's pretty good and recommended from the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation). It is somewhat expensive but when I bought it, it was on a hot sale !
There're many brands that's not very expensive and in the same time appropriate for personal use; like when you play with your family or friends. It depends on the area you're living in you can find "Butterfly" much cheaper than Stiga rackets.
Since you're living in a home, I recommend to put your table is in the basement even if it's not finished.
