How to make a ping pong paddle at home

Making a ping pong paddle is a fun weekend project, PE class activity or afternoon with the kids. It will not play like a store-bought paddle, but it works well for casual games and shows you first-hand what a paddle is made of.

Here are two versions: a wooden one that can handle real rallies, and a cardboard one that is quick and safe for kids.

Paddle dimensions

ITTF rules do not set a size, shape or weight for the paddle. Even so, almost all paddles have similar dimensions because they fit the hand well:

For small kids, shrink the head a little and slim the handle.

Wooden ping pong paddle

Materials

• 1/4 in (5 to 7 mm) plywood (a piece about 12 x 8 in makes one paddle);
• two thin wooden strips to build up the handle;
• wood glue;
• jigsaw or coping saw;
• medium and fine sandpaper;
• paper and pencil for the template;
• table tennis replacement rubber, or a craft foam sheet for a just-for-fun version;
• table tennis rubber glue, water-based contact cement or double-sided tape, depending on the covering.

Step by step

1. Draw the template on paper: an oval about 6 x 6.3 in with a handle about 4 x 1 in coming off the bottom.
2. Cut out the template, lay it on the plywood and trace around it.
3. Cut the wood slowly, staying just outside the line. It is easier to sand off extra than to fix a cut that went inside.
4. Glue a strip to each side of the handle to make it thicker and comfortable. Clamp or weigh it down until dry.
5. Sand the edges and handle smooth and rounded. Test the grip and sand more wherever it bothers you.
6. Lightly sand both faces, remove the dust and check that the blade is flat.
7. Glue the covering to each face and trim the excess flush with the edge of the wood.

If you use real table tennis rubber, it goes on exactly like on a custom paddle. See how to glue table tennis rubber.

Which covering to use?

Cardboard ping pong paddle

The cardboard version is great for small kids, parties and classroom activities, because it is light and will not hurt anyone.

1. Trace the template on thick corrugated cardboard and cut out three or four identical copies.
2. Glue the copies together with white glue, alternating the direction of the corrugation so it gets stiffer.
3. Put a weight on top and let it dry completely so it does not warp.
4. Wrap the handle with masking tape or electrical tape for strength and grip.
5. Cover the faces with contact paper or craft foam. If you like, make one side red and the other black, like an official paddle.

A cardboard paddle will not survive damp or very hard hits, but it lasts a long time in casual play. For game ideas with kids, see table tennis for kids.

Is a homemade paddle legal in tournaments?

In official tournaments the racket must follow ITTF rules:

• the blade must be flat, rigid and at least 85% natural wood by thickness;
• every hitting side needs an ITTF-approved rubber, with the logo and approval number;
• one side black and the other a bright color, both matt;
• the rubber goes up to the edge of the blade, not beyond.

A well made homemade blade could, in theory, meet the blade rules. But craft foam, cardboard or non-approved rubber is not allowed. Details in table tennis racket rules. To start training properly, a pre-made control paddle is usually the best route: see the best beginner ping pong paddle.

Safety tips

• Wear safety glasses when sawing and sanding.
• Kids can draw, glue and paint, but an adult should cut the wood.
• Choose water-based glues and work somewhere ventilated.
• Round the edges well so they do not hurt hands or chip the table.

Frequently asked questions