ITTF ball and net changes

Brian Gibson Asked 13 years ago

     Alois and Jeff, I'm sure you would know the latest on the changes to the balls after the 2012 Olympics. As of now they say that with celluloid being banned in several countries balls will no longer be made of celluloid. What this new material will be and what effect it will have on speed,spin,and overall performance is an unknown.

     What do you guys think of this? Also, is there any validity to the rumors of balls going to 44mm and raising the net to 6.5 inches,or is this just a "the sky is falling" reaction.

Alois Rosario Answered 13 years ago

Hi Brian,

This is what was passed at the recent World Championships. 

The ITTF Executive Committee and the Equipment Committee shall request from Ball Manufacturers to produce 40mm non-celluloid balls after the 2012 Olympic Games, in preparation for the total ban of celluloid production by national governments around the world, and the Equipment Committee shall adjust the Technical Leaflet in terms of description of the new material and tolerances.

It will be interesting to see what they come up with and what the effects will be.  Until we see the ball and how it plays it will be difficult to judge. 

They have been talking about increasing the ball size and the height of the net for a very long time. I didn't see any mention of this at the recent World Campionships meeting.