You call it ping pong or table tennis. You use seamless or seaming balls to play the sport; you may also use ping pong balls to play a drinking game. Regardless of their use, different ball types produce different results. If you want to improve your game, it may be time to improve the quality of your equipment.
Ball
Ping pong balls are measured between 38 and 44 millimeters in diameter. A 38mm ball is light, travels fast and used to be the standard size ball. The International Table Tennis Federation introduced the 40mm ball at the 2003 World Championships of Table Tennis. The 40 mm ball travels slower than the 38 mm ball; for even slower play, a larger 44mm ball is used.
Seamless
Seamless ping pong balls are made of one solid piece of material. The ball is hollow on the inside to provide a consistent bounce. A seamless ball will cost you more money, but offers you more control than a seamed ball does. The seamless ball's weight is equally distributed throughout the ball, so it flies straighter, with more precision to your shots. No matter if you hit the ball with a forehand, backhand or spin shot, the results of a seamless ball striking a table are more consistent than those of a seaming ball.
Seaming
A seaming ping pong ball has a line that circles the diameter of the ball where the two pieces were joined. These pieces may vary in weight, which leads to inconsistencies in the ball's bounce. The bounce inconsistency is a problem when you hit a seamed ball toward your opponent. Since you have reduced control over the ball's flight pattern, the ball may bounce directly at your opponent instead of away from him.
On the other hand, a seaming ball is used as a training tool to increase your reaction time. When you don't know how an incoming ball will respond off the bounce, you prepare for the unexpected with heightened concentration and faster movements.
Choice
Ping pong balls are rated according to a three-star system. Select a three-star seamless ball if you want one that will always respond the same way each time it is hit. Because seamless balls are thinner than a seaming ball, you may have to replace the ball more often. Choose a two-star seamed ball or even a one-star ball to improve your reaction time and keep your opponent guessing.
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