There are millions of recreational table tennis players across the United States and the globe. Many of them play ping pong in their garage, game room or basement with a beat up old hardbat. This can be great fun - no doubt, but even a social player or beginner can unlock a whole new dimension to the game by investing in a proper table tennis racket.

Some players use an age old crusty hardbat bought at a cheap dollar store. Others perhaps a grip-less smooth recreational racket from a local sports shop. What are some key reasons why you might consider a small upgrade?

SPIN ADDS A NEW DIMENSION TO THE GAME

Table Tennis involves more spin rotation than any other ball sport on the planet. The ball can reach spin speeds of 8000RPM. That's over 100 revolutions per second. With a basic racket in hand and no surface grip you might be lucky to make a tiny fraction of that.

Playing long rallies with simple shots is great fun. Being able to deviate the ball and add spin to your serves is not only fun, but interesting to learn. It will also give you a serious advantage over your friends and rivals.

REASONABLE QUALITY TABLE TENNIS RACKETS AREN'T A HUGE STEP UP IN PRICE

The world of recreational ping pong rackets continues to improve. JOOLA have continued to invest in improving blade and rubber quality in our recreational racket lines. Now, more than ever before, you can spend a very reasonable amount to get your hands on a racket which looks and performs significantly better than what you might fight in a generic sports store.

Even something simple like the JOOLA Omega Control is a $19.95 racket with a 1.8mm sponge and a grippy surface. It's perfect for learning to spin the ball and develop basic techniques at a controllable pace.

IT'S DIFFICULT TO LEARN WITHOUT THE EQUIPMENT

If you really want to get better at the game, you need a table tennis racket with some surface traction and sponge which has a little bit of kick to it. Learning table tennis techniques is an important aspect of improving at the game. Using a racket which cannot produce spin or any rebound effect can lead to bad habits and unorthodox techniques. These may be harder to undo later if you decide to take the game more seriously. It can also increase the chance of injury especially in the shoulder and tricep if you are having to swing bigger to create momentum.

NO ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!

You don’t have to take the full step all the way up to a custom racket. There is a huge range in the middle ground between a first cheap racket and a professional setup. You can see in this Guide to Recreational Table Tennis Rackets that there are many tiers and options. All of them come pre-assembled and ready to go straight out of the box!

IT'S A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT

If you play regularly or are hoping to get better, I implore you to look into some options. You want to be sure you are using a table tennis racket which has some topsheet grip and sponge activity. There are a world of options out there to choose from! Whether you want more control - or more speed. Once you get your hands on one you will never look back. The possibilities unlocked are significant!