What you need for a table tennis tournament

Use this shopping list to prepare a table tennis tournament without last-minute gaps. You’ll need match equipment for every table, backup items for damaged or missing gear, and a separate registration and catering setup. Plan the quantities around the number of tables and players, then check power, printing and serving supplies before shopping. Small items such as spare balls, extension cords and scoreboards are easy to overlook but can slow down the schedule.

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 8
Table tennis netsqty 8
Table tennis paddlesqty 24
Table tennis ballsqty 100
Scoreboardsqty 8
Barrier fencesqty 24
Spare netsqty 2
Spare paddlesqty 6
Medalsqty 12
Cupsqty 3
First aid kit

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Clothes racksqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 3
Portable speaker
Microphone

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 30

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 6

Decorations

Tournament banner
Round tableclothsqty 6
Directional signsqty 8

Cleaning

Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 8 bottles
- Sinas - 6 bottles
- Iced tea - 6 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 10 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Chicken breast fillet - 1,5 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Butter - 2 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell pepper - 1 kilo
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 bags
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Gluten-free rolls - 6 pieces
- Vegan spread - 4 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Tips

Allow at least one paddle and several balls per active table, plus spare paddles, reserve nets and extra balls in case equipment is damaged or lost during play.
Prepare one scoreboard for each playing table and keep competition forms, the printed participant list and a working printer together at the registration table.
Bring one foldable table for registration and additional tables and chairs for catering and waiting areas; set them up before participants arrive.
Test the laptop, printer, microphone and portable speaker before opening the venue, and pack extension cords and power strips with them rather than separately.
For catering, count reusable cups, plates and cutlery for every participant and add coffee cups, thermos flasks, coolers and serving utensils before leaving for the shop.

Frequently asked questions

How many table tennis balls do I need for a tournament?: Plan several usable balls per active table and bring a separate reserve supply. For a tournament with 4 tables, pack enough balls for all 4 tables plus at least 1 backup container so play does not stop when a ball disappears or splits.
How many table tennis paddles should I bring?: Bring at least one paddle per player who needs equipment, with spare paddles available at the venue. As a practical minimum, keep 2 spare paddles ready for every 4 active tables.
When should I buy the tournament supplies?: Complete the main shopping at least 2 days before the tournament. Check the full equipment and catering list again on the day before, so missing gear can still be borrowed or purchased.
What catering supplies are needed for a table tennis tournament?: Prepare reusable cups, plates, cutlery sets, coffee cups, coffee machines or kettles, thermos flasks, coolers, chopping boards, bread knives, serving trays and tongs or serving spoons. Count tableware for every registered participant and add about 10% extra.

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.