Using 38 mm ball for training

Tony Lum Asked 15 years ago

Hi Coach,

I'm just starting out in table tennis and acquired a robot to help me train. Unfortunately its an older type machine and only throws a 38 mm ball. Will this cause me problems when playing with regulation 40 mm balls?

Alois Rosario Answered 15 years ago

Hi Tony,

It isn't ideal but if that is the best you have then use it. The flight of the ball is different but if it helps you to hit more table tennis balls then it can be good.

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Piers Grey Posted 15 years ago

don't worry about practising with only 38mm balls in fact; practising with smaller balls can be a good thing. For instance, it helps you to track the ball better which can then help you when you go on to play with 40mm balls. So when you go to on to using 40mm balls, you can concentrate on the ball better, meaning that you will be able to adjust the spin on the ball easier.

I hope this helps

(Pardon my grammar on this response!, my grammars been really poor recently!!!, so if there is anything that you don't understand, please don't hesitate to ask, I won't be affended!)