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Step 1
Select the type of wood for your blade. Different types of wood will result in slower or faster blades. ITTF regulations stipulate that competition blades must be made of 85-percent wood. A common composition consists of birch plywood over a cork or a balsa wood core.
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Step 2
Check the amount of titanium, carbon or other materials in a blade before you buy it to make sure it will meet ITTF regulations for table tennis blades.
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Step 3
Customize your blade as much as you want, but to meet ITTF regulations for table tennis blades, one side must be covered in red rubber and the other in black.
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Step 4
Choose a blade with either a pimpled rubber surface or a flat rubber surface. Both meet ITTF regulations for table tennis blades. Both sides must, however, be covered in rubber. A blade with one bald side will not satisfy regulation requirements.
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Step 5
Choose a rubber that is double-layered if you wish. The soft layer beneath the pimpled surface that acts as a sponge. This surface is a matter of preference but is perfectly acceptable according to ITTF regulations.
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Step 6
Find a handle that is comfortable to use. There are several different handle types that are accepted and the choice should be based on your own preferences. Flared handles help you get a better grip, but most top players choose a simple straight handle.
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Step 7
Look at the rubbers on your blade closely. You should be able to see a brand name and rubber type displayed clearly. If not, then your blade is not ITTF approved. Rubber type and brand name must always be visible to meet regulations for table tennis.
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Step 8
Consult the USATT website for rules of the game pertaining to blades (see Resources below). Racket requirements can be found in section 2.04 of the Laws of Table Tennis.
