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August 24, 2025 (by Steve Hopkins) With their location East of Los Angeles in Chino Hills, the Dynamic Table Tennis…

Close your eyes for a moment: New York, 1950s. The rhythmic bounce of a ball, the sharp crack of a paddle… and suddenly, a realization — a major film about table tennis is finally happening.

Yes, you read that right: Hollywood is bringing our sport to the silver screen. And for table tennis enthusiasts, this is a big deal.

A Vibrant and Unusual Story

With Timothée Chalamet taking on the role of Marty Mauser, the movie draws inspiration from the legendary Marty Reisman — the charismatic king of the hardbat era. Known for his flamboyant personality and relentless drive to elevate table tennis to a true professional sport, Reisman was as much an entertainer as he was a champion.

Chalametâ€s portrayal promises to deliver a character who is ambitious, unconventional, and deeply human.

A Surprising Cast

This isnâ€t your typical sports drama lineup. The cast includes unexpected names like Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler, the Creator, Fran Drescher, and even Kevin Oâ€Leary.

Such a colorful mix of actors hints at a story packed with emotion, humor, and dramatic tension — all set against the backdrop of a sport that has rarely taken center stage in cinema.

Matches That Pack a Punch

Early images and teasers suggest that the table tennis sequences will be intense — not just playful exchanges, but real battles. The sharp sound of rallies, sweat dripping under the spotlight, the mental warfare behind every point… all captured with a cinematic flair that does justice to the sportâ€s speed and complexity.

This isnâ€t just a romantic subplot or a passing mention of ping pong. Itâ€s a tribute to the essence of table tennis: skill, passion, and the fight for recognition.

Why This Film Matters

Because movies like this donâ€t come often. For fans, itâ€s a moment of validation — our sport finally stepping into the global spotlight. For the general public, itâ€s a chance to see table tennis for what it truly is: a game of speed, strategy, and heart.

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Portland, OR, and San Francisco Bay Area, CA, August 14, 2025 — Paddle Palace, Americaâ€s Table Tennis Expert, and Micro Motion Table Tennis Academy (MMTTA) have formed a new sponsorship and equipment partnership to serve players and families across Micro Motionâ€s three Bay Area locations in Alameda, Pleasanton, and Santa Clara.

The partnership aligns world-class coaching with trusted equipment and service. MMTTA trains beginners through national-level athletes and has produced Youth National Team members each year since 2022, with athletes earning medals at WTT Youth Contender events and 28 medals at the 2024 U.S. Open. Paddle Palace will support that pathway with outfitting, product education, and community programming.

“Micro Motion builds strong players and a stronger table tennis community. We are honored to fuel their work with the right gear, fast service, and expert guidance,†said Sean Oâ€Neill, Director of Sponsorships & Social Media at Paddle Palace. “This partnership helps families focus on training and competition while we handle equipment with care and precision.â€

“Paddle Palace understands the needs of players at every stage, from a first paddle to high-performance setups,†said a Micro Motion Table Tennis Academy founder & CEO Boliang Lyu. “Their team knows our sport, and their support will help our athletes train smarter and compete with confidence.â€

Partnership pillars

• Official Equipment and Retail Partner. Preferred access to leading brands, balls, tables, robots, and accessories for MMTTA teams, coaches, and families.
• Member Benefits. Exclusive offers, bundle pricing, and on-site ordering support during academy events.
• Demo Days and Gear Labs. Hands-on blade and rubber testing with Paddle Palace experts, plus fitting sessions for juniors and adults.
• Tournament and Camp Support. Equipment logistics, prize support, and pop-up pro-shop services for academy competitions and seasonal camps.
• Coach and Parent Education. Short clinics and guides on setup selection, maintenance, and match-day readiness.
• Athlete Support. Need-based equipment scholarships organized with the academyâ€s coaching staff.
• Community Growth. Open-house clinics and school outreach in the East Bay and South Bay to welcome new players.

Why it matters

• Players get a single, reliable source for equipment that matches their training goals.
• Coaches gain faster, data-informed ordering and consistent products for sessions and events.
• Families save time and money through curated packages and on-site service.
• The local table tennis pipeline strengthens from entry level to elite competition.

About Micro Motion Table Tennis Academy

Micro Motion Table Tennis Academy operates full-time training centers in Alameda, Pleasanton, and Santa Clara. The academy offers beginner classes, progressive group training, private lessons, and an elite team program with 10 to 25 hours of weekly training. The coaching staff includes international competitors, national medalists, and veteran mentors dedicated to player development and character growth. Learn more at mmtta.io.

About Paddle Palace

Founded in Portland, Oregon, Paddle Palace is Americaâ€s Table Tennis Expert and a trusted source for blades, rubbers, balls, robots, tables, and accessories. The company supports clubs, coaches, and tournaments across the United States with expert advice and customer service. Learn more at paddlepalace.com.

Media contacts

Paddle Palace
Press Inquiries: tt@paddlepalace.com | Phone:  (503) 777-2266

Micro Motion Table Tennis Academy
Press Inquiries: support@mmtta.io | Phone: (510) 399-9120

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In the modern era of table tennis, the backhand side is just as important as the forehand side.

In the past, most players would block, hit, push, and play topspins in the same proportion with their backhands. It was even viable to not topspin at the elite level on the backhand side.

In 2004, Ryu Seung Min won the Olympics without a backhand rubber, a feat thatâ€s hard to fathom given the current tactical and technical state of the sport.

Today, even penholders flick the ball, loop, and counterloop with their backhand sides. And, if you take a look at most table tennis clubs around the world, even beginners attempt to play backhand open-ups and loops.

This can be explained, among other things, by the advancement of modern equipment and what it allows us to do.

Thatâ€s why, in this article, weâ€ll go over our top 7 picks for the best backhand rubber for every playing style and level. Looking for the best forehand rubber? We’ve got you covered as well.

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Many of these rubbers also feature in our list of the best table tennis rubbers you can buy. If you want to explore 50+ rubbers filtered by the characteristics you care about, you can also check out our rubber review database.

Best Overall Backhand Rubber – Butterfly Tenergy 19

Specifications

• Weight (Cut): 49g
• Speed:High
• Spin:High
• Control: Medium
• Tackiness:Slightly Tacky
• Hardness: Medium (36° Butterfly scale)
• ITTF Approved:Yes
• Sponge Thickness:1.7mm, 1.9mm, or 2.1mm

Summary:The Butterfly Tenergy 19 is the ideal backhand rubber. It has all the characteristics you’d want from a backhand rubber: great feeling, medium hardness, lots of explosiveness, and tons of grip. It is perfect for both active strokes and passive strokes.

Recommended For:

Playing Characteristics

The Tenergy 19 is ideal for playing topspin shots such as loops and open-ups. You get tons of spin, the throw angle is medium-medium/high and it is very fast when you accelerate onto the ball.

As for blocking, this rubber is great if you know what youâ€re doing. It is spin sensitive, but less so than the Tenergy 05 for example, and itâ€s also less bouncy, so you get relatively good control.

I also love it for the serve receive: both the passive serve receive and flicks are great. As for flicks, you get good clearance over the net, acceleration, and spin, and it isnâ€t that hard to touch short.

It is not the best choice for chopping, so if youâ€re more of an all-rounder, youâ€re probably better off choosing one of the next rubbers on this list. The Tenergy 19 is ideal for complete attackers who block, loop, open up, and counterloop.

Who the Butterfly Tenergy 19 Is Suitable For

The Tenergy 19 is perfect for intermediate-level players up to professional play. Recommended for USATT 1600+.

Benefits

• Superb balance between speed and control.
• Tons of grip.
• Great feeling.

Drawbacks

• Tenergy-levels of speed require good touch and technique.
• Price.

Best Hybrid Backhand Rubber – Butterfly Dignics 09c

Specifications

• Speed: High
• Spin: Very High
• Control: High
• Tackiness:Medium tacky
• Hardness:Hard (44° Butterfly Scale)
• ITTF Approved:Yes
• Sponge Thickness:1.9mm or 2.1mm

Summary:The Butterfly Dignics 09c is a superb backhand rubber because of its spin, its control, and its arc. It is one of the most favored rubbers by professional players because it’s perfect for playing spin and counter-spin shots.

Recommended For:

Playing Characteristics

The Dignics 09c is probably the best rubber for topspins, period. It is the spinniest rubber available, it has a high throw angle, and tons of dwell time for a rubber with such a fast top-end speed.

As for blocking, this rubber is quite peculiar. It is spin-sensitive, very hard, and not that bouncy, so it feels different than most other rubbers. Itâ€s just a matter of getting used to it, really.

In terms of serve receive, the Dignics 09c is a great rubber because its grip and throw angle make it great for flicking. Touching short is also quite easy.

As for chopping, it isnâ€t bad, but itâ€s far from the best. You can definitely pull off the odd chop with it and come back to the table, though.

Who the Butterfly Dignics 09c Is Suitable For

In my opinion, the Dignics 09c should only be used by players with higher swing speeds, as itâ€s a very hard rubber. Recommended for 1800+ USATT players with fast strokes.

Benefits

• Spinniest rubber available
• Great control
• Unlimited power reserves

Drawbacks

• Need high swing speed to use it
• Price.

Best European Backhand Rubber for Advanced Players – Butterfly Dignics 05

Specifications

• Weight (Cut):48g
• Speed: High
• Spin: Very High
• Control:Medium-High
• Tackiness:Slightly Tacky
• Hardness: Hard (40° Butterfly Scale)
• ITTF Approved:Yes
• Sponge Thickness:1.9mm or 2.1mm

Summary:The Butterfly Dignics 05 is a superb backhand rubber because of its touch, spin, and control. It is one of the most favored rubbers by professional players because it’s perfect for playing every single shot in an offensive player’s arsenal, from the serve receive to the counterloop.

Recommended For:

Playing Characteristics

The Dignics 05 is a great rubber for topspins, but you need to have a high swing speed to get good acceleration out of it. The spin is on par with the Dignics 09c as probably the spinniest rubber on the market.

As for blocking, this rubber is just perfect. It isnâ€t that bouncy, itâ€s quite hard and stable, and it has great touch. Itâ€s probably my favorite rubber for blocking.

In terms of serve receive, the Dignics 05 is great, especially for pushing and touching short. Flicking is also great but requires good acceleration.

As for chopping, it is a relatively good rubber because of its speed and control.

Who the Butterfly Dignics 05 Is Suitable For

As with the Dignics 09c, the Dignics 05 should only be used by players with higher swing speeds, as itâ€s a very hard rubber. Recommended for 1800+ USATT players with fast strokes.

Benefits

• Spinniest rubber available
• Great feeling and control
• Best rubber for blocking

Drawbacks

• Need high swing speed to use it
• Price.

Best Balanced Backhand Rubber – Butterfly Rozena

Specifications

• Speed: Medium
• Spin: High
• Control:Medium-High
• Tackiness:Slightly tacky
• Hardness: Medium-soft (35° Butterfly Scale)
• ITTF Approved:Yes
• Sponge Thickness:1.7mm, 1.9mm, 2.1mm

Summary:The Butterfly Rozena is one of my favorite backhand rubbers, and my top pick for intermediate-level players. It is ideal because it’s superb for looping, blocking, and receiving serves. It has tons of control but also good speed and spin when you want to take the initiative.

Recommended For:

Playing Characteristics

The Rozena is a great rubber for topspins just because of how consistent it is.

It is a relatively fast rubber but not to the point that itâ€s hard to control, far from it. Itâ€s very easy to get the ball on the table, and thatâ€s the key when it comes to backhand rubbers if you arenâ€t all that confident in your loops and open-ups.

As for blocking, the Rozena is ideal. It is bouncy enough so that active blocks can be dangerous, but not to the point where you lose out on control.

In terms of serve receive, the Rozena is great for flicking, pushing long, touching short, you name it.

As for chopping, it is a relatively good rubber because of its control.

Who the Butterfly Rozena Is Suitable For

The Butterfly Rozena is ideal for players who already have mastered the fundamentals and want a modern rubber to attack with confidence. Recommended for 1200-1800 USATT.

Benefits

• Very confidence-inducing
• Great feeling and control
• Ideal for both looping and blocking

Drawbacks

• Not as much speed or spin as the Tenergies or Dignics

Best Value Backhand Rubber – Nittaku Fastarc G-1

Specifications

• Weight (Cut): 49g
• Speed:High
• Spin:High
• Control: Medium
• Tackiness:Slightly Tacky
• Hardness: Medium-Hard
• ITTF Approved:Yes
• Sponge Thickness:1.4mm, 1.8mm, 2.0mm, or MAX

Summary: The Nittaku Fastarc G-1 is our pick for best value because it’s not only a superb backhand rubber but it’s also nearly endless in terms of durability. It is a fine offensive rubber that lasts 2, 3 even 5 times what other rubbers do.

Recommended For:

Playing Characteristics

The Fastarc G-1 is a great rubber for topspins. Itâ€s what youâ€d expect of a modern backhand rubber. Itâ€s high throwing, spinny, and quite fast, with good control.

As for blocking, this rubber is great. Its speed is ideal but due to its high throw, youâ€ll need to get used to closing your racket angle a bit more.

In terms of serve receive, the Fastarc G-1 is great, especially for flicking. Touching short and pushing long is also good.

We liked it quite a bit for chopping because we could generate quite a bit of spin with good control.

Who the Nittaku Fastarc G-1 Is Suitable For

We recommend the Nittaku Fastarc G-1 for intermediate and advanced-level players who want a great offensive rubber without breaking the bank. Recommended for 1600+ USATT players.

Benefits

• Fast and spinny
• Good control and high throw
• Incredibly durable and adequately priced

Drawbacks

• Not as fast or spinny as top-of-the-line rubbers

Best Backhand Rubber for All-rounders – Andro Rasanter R42

Specifications

• Speed:Medium-High
• Spin:Medium-High
• Control: High
• Hardness: Medium-soft (42° ESN Scale)
• ITTF Approved: Yes
• Sponge Thickness:1.7mm, 2.0mm, ULTRAMAX

Summary: The Andro Rasanter R42 is a superb backhand rubber because of its control. It is the ideal rubber for beginners, intermediate-level players, and all-rounders who value control, spin, and touch more than anything else.

Recommended For:

Playing Characteristics

The Andro Rasanter R42 is great for looping. Itâ€s extremely easy to get loops on the table, open-ups carry great spin and itâ€s overall a very confidence-inducing rubber for attacking.

This is also a great rubber for blocking. Its speed is quite manageable for a rather offensive rubber so itâ€s easy to control incoming speed and spin.

In terms of serve receive, the Rasanter R42 is ideal as it has great control and touch as well as good enough spin for flicking the ball.

We also liked it for chopping because of the feeling and control it gave us over the ball.

Who the Andro Rasanter R42 Is Suitable For

The Rasanter R42 is ideal for all-rounders and developing attackers. We recommend it to players in the USATT 1000-1600 rating range.

Benefits

• Very confidence-inducing
• Superb feeling and control
• Great for topspins as well as blocks

Drawbacks

• Not the best for power looping

Best Backhand Rubber for Beginners – Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft

Specifications

• Speed:Medium
• Spin:Medium-High
• Control: Very High
• Hardness: Soft
• ITTF Approved: Yes
• Sponge Thickness:1.7mm, 2.0mm, ULTRAMAX

Summary: The Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is the ideal backhand rubber for beginners because it’s the best rubber to learn backhand techniques with. It’s offensive in nature, but with superb control, and it is ideal for those who want to learn the attacking game but are just starting out.

Recommended For:

Playing Characteristics

The Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is the ideal rubber to learn how to topspin because of how much dwell time and margin for error it gives you. It does pack a punch if you swing hard, though!

As for blocking, this rubber is extremely forgiving and controllable, mainly because of its very manageable speed.

In terms of serve receive, the Rakza 7 Soft is great as it makes things a whole lot simpler: Touching short and pushing long is effortless.

As for chopping, it is a good rubber because of its control.

Who the Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft Is Suitable For

The Yasaka Rakza 7 Soft is ideal for players who are just starting out and want to learn all the backhand techniques. Recommended for 0-1200 USATT players.

Benefits

• Great feeling and control
• Very confidence-inducing
• Ideal for learning the game

Drawbacks

• Will need upgrading at some point
• Not that much speed or spin

Backhand Rubber Buyerâ€s Guide

If you’re looking for an in-depth guide to help you out, we’ve got the most extensive article covering what to look for when selecting a new rubber. Perfect for beginners, or anyone looking to upgrade their equipment. Don’t want to read thousands of words? Here’s a quick guide to buying a backhand rubber.

Several key factors influence which backhand rubber to go for. The main one is the speed of the rubber you choose, which will also determine its control.

If you take a look at our choices, we have included very fast rubbers, such as the Tenergy 19, and much slower ones, such as the Rakza 7 soft.

There is a world of difference between the speed and control of these two rubbers.

This makes sense if you think about what players they were designed for: the Tenergy was developed with professional players in mind while the Rakza was designed to suit even basement players who are just picking up the sport.

So, the main thing you have to nail is the speed of your rubber. If you choose a rubber thatâ€s too fast, you wonâ€t be able to control it properly.

However, if you choose a rubber like the Rakza 7 Soft and youâ€re an intermediate or advanced player, youâ€ll want a faster rubber because youâ€ll feel that it’s too slow for you.

You will also want a harder rubber as you improve, as softer rubbers are easier to bottom out and arenâ€t that stable overall when playing at higher speeds.

Alvaroâ€s a qualified ITTF Level 1 Coach who’s been playing Table Tennis since he was 15 and is now ranked within the top 50 in his native Argentina. He loves to compete in provincial tournaments and is always looking for ways to improve. Alvaro made his favorite memories with a racket in hand, and he joined the RacketInsight team to share his passion with other players!

Blade: Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC | Forehand: Butterfly Dignics 09c | Backhand: Butterfly Tenergy 19
Playstyle: The Controller

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By Sean P. Oâ€Neill

Ron Carver, a ten-time Oregon State Champion and respected figure in the Northwest table tennis community, has passed away. He was a fierce competitor, a loyal friend, and a gentleman in every sense of the word.

Ron was more than a great athlete. He was a grinder, a fighter, and a blue-collar champion who made his mark through relentless effort and determination. While working full-time raising salmon for the Oregon Fish Commission, he often drove three hours from Astoria to Portland to train or compete. That kind of commitment is not reflected only in the number of trophies he won. It defined who he was.

On the table, Ron played with fire. Quick, aggressive, and intensely focused, he thrilled crowds with his devastating forehand and sharp angles. He attacked every point with courage and precision. Whether blasting winners or blocking left-handed loops, his fearless style captivated everyone who watched him. What made Ron special was his consistency, his work ethic, and his refusal to ever give up.

Off the table, Ron remained humble. He trained every day, using his Stiga robot, running, and lifting weights, yet he never boasted about the work he put in. He competed across Oregon, from University of Oregon leagues to Paddle Palace tournaments, always carrying himself with dignity and respect.

His achievements were remarkable: multiple state titles across more than a decade, countless tournament victories, and unforgettable battles with the best players in the region. His true legacy, however, is larger than any single match result. Ron showed us what it means to commit fully, to keep striving, and to honor the game at every stage of life.

Ron is survived by his wife and two daughters, who stood by him throughout his years of training and competition. Our community feels his loss deeply. For those of us who shared the court with him, or simply had the chance to watch him play, we will carry forward the lessons he embodied. Compete hard, stay humble, and respect the sport.

Rest in peace, Ron. You gave everything to the game you loved.

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AllAboutTableTennis.com (AATT) is completely free to use.

However, it’s run by one person only (Martin Hughes) and has high running costs that need to be paid for.

This web site receives thousands of visitors every day and therefore, to keep it completely free to use, advertising and affiliate links appear on this web site.

However, these adverts and affiliate links do not influence the advice and recommendations given on this web site.

My intention has always been to give you the best possible information, advice and recommendations, based on my 50+ years involvement in the sport.

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When you click on an advert, it’s tracked to AATT and will generate a small payment to me.

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They do not cost you anything to use, and any products you choose to buy will not cost you any more than if you went directly to that web site.

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Putting together a table tennis racket can be daunting, especially if you havenâ€t done it before. However, if you know what youâ€re doing, itâ€s actually a pretty simple task. Thatâ€s why weâ€re here to help!

In my opinion, most players can improve the process of gluing their rackets, as there are tons of tips and tricks that will not only make the process easier but also make your racket play better.

Gluing your rubbers correctly is essential. You can have the best blade and rubbers, but if the contact between them is suboptimal, the bounce will be uneven, the rubber wonâ€t grip the ball properly, and the feeling of the racket will be completely off.

A well-glued racket will help you feel the ball better and give you more spin, among many other things. In this article, weâ€ll help you achieve just that.

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Tools Needed

Before starting the process, we will outline the tools youâ€ll need.

You will need 7 items:

• Blade
• Rubber/s
• Glue
• Sponge
• Scissors/cutter
• Roller
• Paper towels (optional but recommended)

Firstly, you will need a blade and a rubber (or pair of rubbers) if youâ€re planning to build a complete racket from scratch.

This time, weâ€ll be changing the forehand rubber of my main racket. Weâ€ll be gluing a new Donic Bluestorm Pro AM to my Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC.

Next, you will need a sponge to apply the glue onto the rubber. Most glues come with small sponges you can use, but a kitchen sponge like this is also totally fine:

You can buy one of these, cut it into little pieces, and get 6-8 sponges for the same amount of rubbers.

You will also need the most important item on this list: VOC-free table tennis glue.

What glue you choose makes a world of difference. It is extremely, extremely important that you choose a glue you like to get the best results.

I have tried many brands of glue, some of which I liked more, while others I liked less.

Some make it easy to take the glue off when removing the rubber, others have a stronger effect so that the rubber doesnâ€t come off when you hit the racket onto the table, some dry faster, etc.

After trying many different glues, I settled on using Androâ€s Turbo Fix. Even though it doesnâ€t come off easily if you take your rubbers off, I really like it because it gives me a good feeling with the ball and my rubbers donâ€t come off when I hit the table. The bond it produces is very strong.

Other recommended glues are Butterflyâ€s Free Chack, Nittakuâ€s Fine Zip, and DHS†#15 glue, which is especially recommended for boosted rubbers.

The next item is either a cutter or scissors. I personally use scissors because I donâ€t really care about having the perfect cut.

I think scissors are the most convenient to use while cutters will give you the cleanest cut. Either is fine.

In addition, you will need a roller to roll your rubber onto the racket. I generally use a tube of deodorant but any cylindrical object that has little weight and covers the width of your racket will be fine.

Lastly, one item I always use when gluing my rubbers is paper towels.

I always put a paper towel next to the racket Iâ€m gluing so that if I put too much glue on either the blade or rubbers, I can take the excess off on that paper towel.

I find it extremely handy and I never have too much glue on my racket because of this little hack.

You can also put paper towels below your blade and rubbers so that you donâ€t get glue on your table or desk.

Step 1: Applying the Glue

Now that you have everything you need, itâ€s time to glue your racket!

Before applying the glue, make sure that your workspace is organized, clean, and tidy. I strongly recommend not gluing your rubbers, for example, at the club, where people may touch your blade or rubbers, knock them off the table, etc.

In addition, being at the club makes you want to speed up the process to try your racket out. Gluing a rubber doesnâ€t take too long, so thereâ€s no need to rush. Just take your time and make sure youâ€re doing everything right.

Firstly, you will apply glue to the rubber. You donâ€t want to apply too little or too much. Then, distribute the glue with the sponge as evenly as you can using top-to-bottom motions. Then, set it aside.

After distributing the glue on your rubber, take your blade and do the exact same thing. You can use the same sponge, but use less glue on the blade than on the rubber, because your sponge will already have glue in it.

Distribute the glue evenly as you did with the rubber, and set it aside for it to dry.

Step 2: Wait Time & Drying

So, youâ€ve applied glue to both the blade and rubbers. Now, we wait. But for how long?

How long your rubbers and blade take to dry will completely depend on the weather.

So, if you have the chance, itâ€s better if you choose a hot and dry day over a cold and humid one.

The drying process can last anywhere between 5-10 minutes to 2-3 hours.

I have glued rubbers on hot, dry summer days of around 37°C (98.6°F) and you can literally see the drying process happen in front of your eyes.

And, I remember another time a friend came over to have his rubbers glued by me, it was the only day we could do it, it was a rainy winter day. We had to wait for upwards of 2 hours for them to dry.

Iâ€m writing this article in winter, so itâ€s very cold here in Buenos Aires. The weather this day was 8°C (46°F), 47% humidity.

My blade and rubbers took a total of 1 hour and 20 minutes to dry completely. Iâ€d say the normal wait time in average conditions, say, 20°C (68°F) and normal humidity is around 20-30 minutes.

There are ways to speed up the drying process if you need to have your racket glued by a certain time.

For example, you can leave your components close to a heater, you can use a hair dryer (though I wouldnâ€t recommend it, just to be safe), you can use the package your rubber came into and push air towards the blade and rubbers, etc.

However, Iâ€d recommend that you just set the racket aside and wait. Now, how do we know when our components are ready to be glued?

Firstly, the glue has to turn completely transparent, with no white spots whatsoever. Thatâ€s the bare minimum requisite.

And, just to be sure, an extra measure you can take is to press onto the rubber with your finger and see if it sticks. If it does, that means the glue isnâ€t completely dry yet, so wait for just a bit longer.

Once the glue is completely transparent and your finger doesnâ€t stick too much onto your rubbers, youâ€re ready to put your racket together.

Step 3: Aligning and Pressing the Rubber onto The Blade

Now comes the hardest part: putting the racket together.

Firstly, grab your roller and keep it next to your blade. Then, grab your rubber and hover it over the blade.

Take your time and donâ€t rush, otherwise, you may glue your rubber slightly over the handle or leave a small gap between the handle and the head of the blade. Both have happened to me so itâ€s better to take your time.

Also, make sure that you arenâ€t coming at an angle and that youâ€re going to glue the rubber straight on.

Once youâ€ve aligned your rubber perfectly to the end of the handle, fix the bottom part of the rubber onto the blade. Then, grab the rubber with one hand and take your roller with the other, as we demonstrate in the video.

Now, you have to roll your rubber onto the blade. Make sure to use minimal pressure, you just want to ensure that the rubber contacts the blade on every spot.

If you use too much pressure, youâ€ll break the bond between the blade and the rubber, and youâ€ll have to do this process all over again.

Once youâ€ve rolled your rubber onto your blade, keep rolling it on the sides to ensure the sides are well glued, also with minimal pressure.

Step 4: Cutting Excess Rubber Cleanly

Now that the hardest part is done, itâ€s time to cut the rubber.

You can cut the excess rubber either with a pair of scissors or with a cutter/scalpel. A cutter will produce a much cleaner cut if youâ€re a perfectionist, but Iâ€ve always used scissors.

Make sure to do this process slowly as well so that you donâ€t cut the blade and you donâ€t leave excess rubber on.

Hereâ€s the final result ðŸ“

(Optional) Finish Off with Edge Tape

This oneâ€s personal preference, I donâ€t use edge tape but many players do and itâ€s a wise idea to do so, especially if you have a fragile blade, like mine.

Using edge tape is a good idea because it will protect your blade when you accidentally hit the table and it will prevent your rubbers from coming off on the sides.

I donâ€t like using edge tape because I feel like it slightly alters the feeling of my blade.

Some professional players feel the same and theyâ€ve started using edge tape only on the side where you hit the table.

Lin Yun-ju uses edge tape on just a small portion of his racket.

If youâ€re a righty, that would be the left part of your blade, and if youâ€re a lefty, thatâ€d be the right part of your blade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistakes when it comes to gluing rackets are:

Not using a good glue

Iâ€ve used table tennis glues in the past that donâ€t produce good results, so your rubbers come off very easily if you hit the table. This means you have to be gluing your rubbers all the time.

I recommend reputable glues such as Androâ€s Turbo Fix, Butterfly Free Chack, or Nittaku Fine Zip.

Not using a sponge

I have seen countless players glue their rackets using their fingers or using dirty sponges.

A kitchen sponge is perfect, just make sure itâ€s brand new so that it isnâ€t dirty.

Not waiting long enough

Many players will glue their rackets before theyâ€re completely dry.

This rubber is NOT ready to be glued

This will hinder the bond between the blade and the rubbers, so be patient and wait until all the components are dry enough.

Using too much pressure when gluing

This is the biggest mistake of all, as you will definitely break the bond between the blade and the rubbers.

If youâ€ve ever played with a badly glued racket, youâ€ll know that it plays terribly, so make sure that the bond between the blade and the rubber is perfect.

Not aligning the rubber properly

Iâ€ve left gaps between the rubber and the handle tons of times, and Iâ€ve also glued rubbers over the handle more than once.

Thatâ€s why I learned to take my time when aligning rubbers to the handle.

Alvaroâ€s a qualified ITTF Level 1 Coach who’s been playing Table Tennis since he was 15 and is now ranked within the top 50 in his native Argentina. He loves to compete in provincial tournaments and is always looking for ways to improve. Alvaro made his favorite memories with a racket in hand, and he joined the RacketInsight team to share his passion with other players!

Blade: Butterfly Fan Zhendong ALC | Forehand: Butterfly Dignics 09c | Backhand: Butterfly Tenergy 19
Playstyle: The Controller

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Yasiris Ortiz delivered an energetic and inspiring live table tennis exhibition at the Andrew Freedman Home during the Bronx Brilliance: Health is Wealth gathering. As part of the Community Enterprise Accelerator, this event celebrated wellness, entrepreneurship, and the strength of the Bronx community.

Representing Spin & Learn, Yasiris brought her signature passion to the table—literally—proving that sport can be a powerful vehicle for health and empowerment. Her exhibition not only entertained but also emphasized the importance of physical activity in community-building and personal development.

Surrounded by supporters, community leaders, and fellow changemakers, the event created a vibrant atmosphere focused on collaboration, vitality, and shared purpose. The crowdâ€s energy reflected a collective commitment to wellness and innovation in the Bronx.

Special thanks to:

• The Andrew Freedman Home for hosting
• Bronx Brilliance Community Enterprise Accelerator for organizing
• Catelyn Anne Photography for capturing the moments
• All attendees and partners who made this day memorable

Stay tuned for more community events, wellness initiatives, and table tennis exhibitions from Spin & Learn and our incredible team.

#BronxBrilliance #YasirisOrtiz #TableTennis #HealthWellness #CommunityAccelerator #AndrewFreedmanHome #SpinandLearn #NewYorkEvents

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July 7, 2025 | Written by Bill Lewis | Edited for Paddle Palace Blog

The 2025 Missouri Show-Me State Games Table Tennis Open took place on June 7, 2025, and featured a packed day of action. 45 players competed in 210 matches across 12 tables, spanning nine events in just ten hours. Paddle Palace provided the official Nittaku 3-Star Premium balls for the tournament.

Standout Player: Richard Martin

Richard Martin of Overland Park, KS, dominated the tournament, winning four events: Giant Round Robin, Open Singles, Under 2100, and Open Doubles (with Dale Boswell). He took home over $1,200 in prize money and three 18-inch tall trophies.

Event Summaries

Giant Round Robin (RRRR)

The format featured two stages: six groups of four players followed by four groups of six. In the final stage:

• Class A: Richard Martin went 5-0 to win 1st place and $600.
  • 2nd: Everton Wilson ($300)
  • 3rd: Ethan Ellsaesser ($200)
• Class B: Dale Boswell took 1st place over Raj Coona and Jeremy Ohmstede.
• Class C: Kaden Cook won four five-game matches to take 1st.
• Class D: Lee Futter, Bill Hall, and Sage Crane tied with Futter taking the win.

Open Singles

Richard Martin beat Hoang Vu in the final (11-6, 11-9, 12-10) to win $400.

• 2nd: Hoang Vu ($150)
• 3rd: Martin Johnson ($100)

Under 2100

Martin clinched another title, defeating Everton Wilson in the final (13-11, 11-8, 11-6).

• 3rd: Ethan Ellsaesser defeated Alex Anuraga in five games.

Under 1800

• 1st: Tom Jourdan beat Tim Romero in four games.
• 3rd: Cole Ely

Under 1600

• 1st: Cole Ely edged Lee Futter in four games.
• 3rd: David Houchens

Under 1400

• 1st: Chris Prout topped Brad Todd in three close games.
• 3rd: Brady Daugherty

Novice Singles

• 1st: Bae Brannan came back from two games down to beat Jordan Dean.
• 3rd: Carter Briscoe

Open Doubles

• 1st: Richard Martin / Dale Boswell beat Shang Lee / Ethan Ellsaesser in straight games.
• 3rd: Hoang Vu / Jose Pereira

Under 3400 Doubles

• 1st: Hoang Vu / Brady Daugherty
• 2nd: Wenyan Drake / Brad Todd
• 3rd: Kaden Cook / Bill Hall

Full List of Winners

Giant Round Robin

• Group A: 1st – Richard Martin, 2nd – Everton Wilson, 3rd – Ethan Ellsaesser
• Group B: 1st – Dale Boswell, 2nd – Raj Coona, 3rd – Jeremy Ohmstede
• Group C: 1st – Kaden Cook, 2nd – David Houchens, 3rd – Brady Daugherty
• Group D: 1st – Lee Futter, 2nd – Sage Crane, 3rd – Bill Hall

Open Singles: 1st – Richard Martin, 2nd – Hoang Vu, 3rd – Martin Johnson
U2100: 1st – Richard Martin, 2nd – Everton Wilson, 3rd – Ethan Ellsaesser
U1800: 1st – Tom Jourdan, 2nd – Tim Romero, 3rd – Cole Ely
U1600: 1st – Cole Ely, 2nd – Lee Futter, 3rd – David Houchens
U1400: 1st – Chris Prout, 2nd – Brad Todd, 3rd – Brady Daugherty
Novice Singles: 1st – Bae Brannan, 2nd – Jordan Dean, 3rd – Carter Briscoe
Open Doubles: 1st – Martin/Boswell, 2nd – Lee/Ellsaesser, 3rd – Vu/Pereira
U3400 Doubles: 1st – Vu/Daugherty, 2nd – Drake/Todd, 3rd – Hall/Cook

Watch the Action:

Thanks to Our Supporters

• Paddle Palace: Official ball sponsor (Nittaku Premium 40+ 3-Star)
• Joe Fong / Chinese Chef Restaurant: Lunch sponsor
• SMSG.org and Springfield Parks & Rec: Venue and medals

Stay tuned to the Paddle Palace Blog for more tournament recaps, coaching tips, and equipment news.

Wenyan Drake – 2nd Place Under 3400 Dbls. Brad Todd – 2nd Place Under 3400 Dbls and 2nd Place in Under 1400. Tom Jourdan – 1st Place Under 1800. Sage Crane – 2nd Place Group D. Raj Coona – 2nd Place Group B. Lee Futter – 1st Place Class D – 2nd Place Under 1600. Kaden Cook – 1st Place Class C and 3rd Place Under 3400 Doubles. Hoang Vu – 2nd Place Open Singles – 1st in Under 3400 Dbls. Brady Daugherty – 1st Place Under 3400 Dbls – 3rd Place Class C and 3rd Place Under 1400. Everton Wilson – 2nd Place Class A and 2nd Place Under 2100. Ethan Ellsaesser – 3rd Place Class A – 3rd Place Under 2100 and 2nd in Open Doubles. Dr. Shang Lee – 2nd Place Open Doubles Dale Boswell – 1st Place Open Doubles – 1st Place Class Place B. Richard Martin – 1st Place Open Doubles – 1st Place Giant Round Robin Class A and 1st Place Under 2100. (A Clean Sweep also known as … A Hat Trick!!) Bill Hall – 3rd Place Class D and 3rd Place Under 3400 Doubles with Kaden Cook. Full Court Doubles Action with four separate teams. David Houchens – 2nd Place Group C and 3rd Place Under 1600. Cole Ely – 1st Place Under 1600 and 3rd Place Under 1800. Christ Prout – 1st Place Under 1400. Jordan Dean – 2nd Place Novice Singles. Bae Brannon – 1st Place Novice Singles.

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Alan Chu, PhD, CMPC

Every serious table tennis player has aspirations – whether it’s dominating a local league, winning high-level tournaments, or simply improving techniques. While victory motivates us, the secret to playing at a high level lies in how we approach our development. Let’s dive into a strategic framework of goal setting that can transform your training and accelerate your progress.

Transform vague intentions into actionable plans by ensuring every goal meets five criteria of a SMART goal:

• Specific (clearly defined)
• Measurable (quantifiable progress)
• Achievable (realistic given your current level)
• Relevant (aligned with your priorities)
• Time-bound (timeline-driven)

The Three Pillars of Effective Goal Setting

Good players understand that success isn’t built on wishful thinking – it’s constructed through SMART goals that involves three distinct types.

Process Goals: These center on the daily habits and training routines that drive improvement. Think of them as your controllable inputs – the specific drills you’ll practice, the number of training sessions per week, or the technical elements you’ll refine. Examples include:

• Practicing footwork drills for 30 minutes, 3 times a week for two months
• Studying and practicing a new serve technique like the reverse pendulum serve for 1 hour per week until consistently executed.

Performance Goals: These establish measurable benchmarks for your skill execution. They bridge the gap between your daily work and competitive results by tracking improvements in consistency, accuracy, or technique quality. Examples include:

• Increasing your successful third-ball attack shots from 60% to 75% in match play within three months
• Reducing unforced errors by 25% over six weeks of tournament play

Outcome Goals: These represent your ultimate aspirations – tournament placements and rankings – involving comparison with other players. Examples include:

• Winning your club championship in the intermediate division
• Achieving a top 20 national ranking in your age group

Research consistently demonstrates that athletes who emphasize process and performance goals experience greater motivation, reduced anxiety, and more consistent improvement compared to those fixated solely on outcome goals.

Your Action Plan for Immediate Impact

Now that you understand the importance of individualized goals, letâ€s transform this knowledge into results with these practical steps:

1. Select specific aspects (physical, technical, tactical, and psychological) of your game requiring attention
2. Develop SMART process and performance goals for those areas
3. Establish a tracking system to monitor your progress
4. Find an accountability partner to support your commitment

By shifting your focus from hoping for success to systematically building it, you’ll discover that improvement becomes more predictable and table tennis becomes significantly more rewarding.

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