How Big is a Junior Table Tennis Table (Fast Answer)
When it comes to ping pong tables, the standard size is 9ft (2.74m) long, 5ft (1.525m) wide, and 2.5ft (76cm) tall. However, there are small table tennis enthusiasts among us who require smaller tables because the standard one is too big.
In this article, I will teach you everything there is to know about junior table tennis tables and some additional information crucial for the smallest athletes among us. But first, how big is a junior table tennis table?
Junior table tennis tables are 3/4 in size when compared to a standard size 9×5 table tennis table. This means that junior tables are 6.75ft long instead of 9ft and 3.75ft wide instead of 5ft. However, the height remains the same.
By changing the size of the table a bit, it is made sure that children can also strike, receive, and move as efficiently as adults can behind the standard-sized table.
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Other differences between junior and standard table tennis tables
You might think that besides the size, junior tables are exactly similar to standard tables; however, that’s not the case. There are some differences between the two so let’s take a look at what those are.
Playback mode
Probably the biggest con when comparing junior tables to standard ones is that they aren’t included with a playback mode. At least, I haven’t encountered one. Playback mode is when you fold one side of the table and leave the one as it is; therefore, the folded one is a wall where you can hit the ball and play by yourself.
On the other hand, the game tempo is much faster in playback mode when comparing to playing with another person, therefore many juniors wouldn’t even play alone when the table is folded. Luckily, there are many more ways to play table tennis alone so this isn’t such a big con after all.
Learn more: 7 Ways To Play Table Tennis Alone
Base and frame
Another difference between junior and regular-sized tables is the sturdiness. Standard table tennis tables are far sturdier and durable than most 3/4 sized ones. This is because they are meant for competition, and they fold; thus, they require more complex and sturdy frames than tables made for kids’ recreational play.
However, don’t think that junior tables fall when you blow on them because that’s not the case. It’s only a noticeable difference. For example, you could jump on top of most standard tables; however, junior tables wouldn’t hold that kind of weight. Anyways, you shouldn’t jump on top of either table.
Read also: Can You Play Ping Pong On a Glass Table
Table top thickness
The third noticeable difference is the thickness. You can find thick junior table tennis tables and thin standard ones; however, the usual correlation between the two is noticeable. A usual junior table top thickness is +10mm, whereas standard ones usually start at 15mm, and the best ones are +20mm. The thicker the tabletop, the better the balls bounce, and the quality of the game will be.
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What is the best Junior table tennis table
From the vast collection of junior table tennis tables out there, there is one above the rest with many benefits compared to only a few cons. Take a look at the review below of this affordable junior table tennis table, and get excited with me!
Butterfly Junior Ping Pong Table
When it comes to junior ping pong tables, they are always 3/4 size of the standard ping pong table, and this table is no exception. It is the standard height of 2.5feet (76cm) which is what you would need. You should be pleased to hear its weight that is only 75lbs (34kg)! That really is light which means you can take it with you virtually anywhere you want.
This table also folds for easy transportation, and it is included with tiny but durable wheels, so you don’t need to break your back when moving it around. One of the best reasons about this table that I personally love is that it folds in half, and you can still keep it standing, making it the perfect table for card games, snacking, or just hanging out with your loved ones or friends.
Most miniature table tennis tables have far lower tabletop thickness than standard tables, which is understandable; however, this tabletop is 12mm thick, which is thicker than most tablets. This will ensure that the ball’s bounces are of good quality.
Finally, if you like easy things, then you have to find the easiest one to assemble. 10 minutes maximum from the unboxing, and you are ready to play with the junior! The affordable price won’t hurt either.
Conclusion
The size difference between junior table tennis tables and standard ones is only 25% with the same height so it isn’t drastic, yet the difference allows the smallest of us that can hold a racket to play table tennis. I hope that you enjoyed this article and got real value from it.