What you need for a table tennis tournament

A table tennis tournament needs more than tables, nets and paddles. You also need enough balls for several matches, clear scorekeeping supplies, drinks and food for players waiting between rounds, and a simple registration setup. This shopping list covers the equipment and serving items that are easy to overlook. Use the number of players, tables and tournament hours to adjust quantities before you shop.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Sports equipment

Table tennis tablesqty 6
Table tennis netsqty 6
Table tennis paddlesqty 20
Table tennis ballsqty 60
Scoreboardsqty 6
Ball bucketsqty 6

Furniture

Chairsqty 45
Foldable tablesqty 4
Buffet tablesqty 2
Registration desk

Equipment

Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Power stripsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 4
Cash register or cash box
Calculator

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 50
Reusable cutleryqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Catering

Thermos flasksqty 4
Drink dispensersqty 2
Tableclothqty 6
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 3 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Iced tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Bread - 8 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Ham - 2 kilos
- Cheese - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Mini wraps - 5 packs
- Olives - 3 jars
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Napkins - 5 packs
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishcloths - 2 packs
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs

Decorations

Name badgesqty 50
Directional signsqty 12
Race numbersqty 6
Medalsqty 3
Cupsqty 3
Prize table sign

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Cutting knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 4
Ice packsqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Broomqty 2
Mopqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Hand soapqty 3
Towelsqty 6

Tips

Plan on at least 3 table tennis balls per playing table, plus 10–20 spare balls for misplaced or damaged ones. Keep the spare balls in a ball bucket at the registration or equipment area.
Allow 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour and 1–2 more for each additional hour. Chill drinks before the event, and bring reusable cups or clearly labelled drink dispensers.
Prepare one reusable plate, set of cutlery and cup per guest if washing facilities are limited. Add 10% extra tableware so a dropped or forgotten item does not interrupt lunch.
Set aside one scoreboard for every playing table and prepare race numbers, name badges and competition forms before doors open. Printing these on the day can delay registration by 30 minutes or more.
Bring at least 2 power strips and 2 extension cords if you are using coffee machines, kettles or coolers. Check the venue layout before shopping so cables do not cross walking routes or playing fields.

Frequently asked questions

How many table tennis balls do I need for a tournament?: Start with 3 balls per playing table and add 10–20 spare balls for a tournament with several matches. For 4 tables, that means at least 12 balls in play plus a separate reserve.
How much food and drink should I buy for a table tennis tournament?: Buy 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1–2 drinks per person for every additional hour. For snacks and lunch, plan one portion per participant plus around 10% extra for officials, helpers and unexpected guests.
What do I need at the registration desk?: Prepare the participant list, competition forms, name badges, race numbers and at least 2 pens. Set up the desk 30–45 minutes before registration starts so late changes do not hold up the first matches.
How many scoreboards and tables are needed for a table tennis tournament?: Use one scoreboard and one net for every playing table. Add one or two waiting-area tables and enough chairs for players between matches; a practical starting point is one chair per waiting player.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.