| Think it doesn't matter if your paddle is dirty? Better | | | | the case as clean as possible. Don't leave it out and |
| think again. You're going to find some tips for cleaning | | | | open for long periods of time. If dirt accumulates inside |
| your paddle as well as some other things to help | | | | the case, that dirt is eventually going to end up on your |
| improve your game. | | | | racket. |
| You don't need anything really fancy for cleaning your | | | | Keeping your equipment in good clean condition is just |
| paddle. Just some plain water and a soft sponge will | | | | as important as being on the top of your game. |
| do for general cleaning and dusting. At the end of the | | | | While we're on the subject of your paddle, this is |
| match you might want to do a little more fancy | | | | something that only the really advanced players do but |
| cleaning to get rid of the more deeply seated dirt and | | | | is something that everyone should do. |
| the oils that accumulate on your paddle from your skin. | | | | For starters, you really need to have more than one |
| There are specially made cleaners that come out of | | | | type of racket. The reason for this is because each |
| cans just for this purpose. They are expensive but | | | | table surface that you play on is going to be different. |
| worth it. If you're on a tight budget and can't afford the | | | | Some will be more slick than others, meaning the ball |
| good stuff you can clean your paddles cheaply by | | | | will react faster on some surfaces than others. For |
| using a drop of dishwashing detergent. Make sure you | | | | really fast games you're going to want to use a lighter |
| use a brand that is non abrasive like Ivory. | | | | weight racket that reacts faster. |
| What you do is take a drop of the liquid and put it on | | | | So, how do you know what kind of table surface |
| the blade. Then add a few drops of water. Then take | | | | you're going to be playing on? One way to find out is |
| the corner of your sponge and rub the solution into the | | | | to check out your opponent before the game starts. |
| surface of the rubber. After you're done, rinse the | | | | Find out what kind of surface he is practicing on and |
| sponge and wipe the blade and handle off completely | | | | what kind of racket he's using. If you see he's changing |
| so that there is no soap left on it. You're going to have | | | | his racket then find out which one he is using. This will |
| to rinse the sponge several times while doing this | | | | give you a good idea of what surface you're probably |
| procedure. After you're done, shake the blade dry. | | | | going to be playing on and can choose your racket to |
| Don't dry with a towel or any kind of cloth. You'll end | | | | match. |
| up getting fibers in the blade. | | | | Don't underestimate keeping your racket clean and |
| Cleaning your racket is only part of keeping it in good | | | | choosing the right one for the table you'll be playing on. |
| shape. Make sure that you have a sturdy case for | | | | These two tips may make the difference between |
| your racket to keep it in. Also, make sure you keep | | | | winning and losing, all other things being equal. |