Table Tennis Net and Post Set

A table tennis net isn't one of the most exciting items of equipment, but it's important nevertheless.

Unlike some items of equipment such as the ball, a bad net won't necessarily spoil your game, but if it doesn't look good or it's difficult to set up and adjust, it shouldn't be used for serious play.

The rules of table tennis state that the net must be ...

• 6 feet (1.83m) long
• 6 inches (15.25 cm) high
• dark green, dark blue or black and have a
• white top tape not more than 15mm wide

and that

• the bottom of the net, along its whole length, shall be as close as possible to the playing surface and that
• the ends of the net shall be as close as possible to the supporting posts

Regardless of its colour, a net may be used on either a blue or a green table.

The net assembly consists of:

1. upright post
2. height adjuster
3. horizontal part of the net post
4. attaching system (clamp)

The net is intended to be an obstacle but it shouldn't increase the probability of a player gaining a lucky point.

A ball hitting the top of the net should fall back on the hitter's side or bounce forwards - it shouldn't fall over onto the receiver's side.

This means that the tension along the top of the net should be significantly higher than the rest of the net.

Therefore, the fabric must be suspended by a cord which must be tight and it must be attached only loosely to the posts.

Some net assemblies have no suspension cord and these nets cannot be used in tournament play.

Although some new table tennis tables have a net and post set supplied with them, in most cases you'll need to choose your own net and post set separately.

Generally, there are three types of net assemblies ...

1. Permanently affixed to the table
2. Spring loaded clip
3. Hand tightened screw clamp

1. Permanently affixed

Outdoor tables generally have a net assembly which is permanently affixed to the table.

These are usually only the same width as the table, i.e. five feet long, rather than the official length of six feet

and ...

some rollaway tables also have a net assembly which is permanently affixed to the table, although these are the correct length of six feet.

2. Spring loaded clip

Some net assemblies use a spring loaded clip to attach the net assembly to the table. These are popular because they're quick and easy to attach to your table.

3. Hand tightened screw clamp

But the most widely used variety are the hand tightened screw clamp.

These provide the best stability and adjustment capabilities.

Unless you have a table tennis table which has a net assembly permanently affixed to it, you'll need to choose either a spring loaded clip or a hand tightened screw clamp net assembly.

Spring loaded clip

These type of table tennis nets are easy to attach to a table, and to take off ... so they're great for schools and for home use, or if you're just in a hurry.

However, the spring clip can become worn over time and you'll find that it'll become more difficult to keep it in place.

Hand tightened screw clamp

If you're just playing for fun on a home table, you may only want a cheap table tennis net.

The cheapest available in this category have a very basic clamp as shown here.

However, the net is usually only 5 feet or 5 feet 6 inches long and the net height may not be adjustable.

Another similar net, suitable for home use is as shown here.

This also has a very basic clamp, but the net is the official length of 6 feet, although the height may or may not be adjustable.

I'd recommend ...

This type of screw clamp which is much sturdier and of much better construction.

The screw clamp and the net height are both adjustable which means you'll be able to ensure that the net is at the right height and tension.

A net gauge tool enables you to set the net to the correct height (6 inches / 15.25 cm).

A net gauge tool also doubles as a tool to measure the thickness of your racket rubbers to ensure that they meet the ITTF regulations.

They're made of plastic and are really easy to use.

The following is a list of ITTF approved table tennis nets valid from
1st January - 31st December 2012.

For more information, tips and recommendations about table tennis equipment, take a look at my other articles ...