What you need for a table tennis tournament

A table tennis tournament needs more than tables and paddles. You will also need enough balls, spare nets, scorekeeping supplies, refreshments and a practical setup for registration and breaks. Plan cups, plates and serving equipment according to your participant count, then add a small reserve for damaged or missing items. Check deliveries before the hall opens, especially tables, nets, barriers and power equipment.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Table tennis tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 40
Reception desk
Catering tablesqty 3
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Table tennis netsqty 6
Table tennis paddlesqty 16
Table tennis ballsqty 80
Scoreboardsqty 6
Floor barriersqty 24
Spare netsqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Stopwatchqty 2
Megaphone

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee mugsqty 30
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Tournament banner
Directional signsqty 6
Name badgesqty 50
Tableclothsqty 6

Catering

Medalsqty 3
Winner's cupsqty 3
Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Coffee filters - 2 packs
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Still Water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 12 bottles
- Cola Zero - 12 bottles
- Orange soda - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 packs
- Syrup - 2 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- White casino bread - 6 loaves
- Whole wheat casinobread - 6 loaves
- White rolls - 40 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 30 pieces
- Butter - 3 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Stroopwafels - 5 packs
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Napkins - 6 packs
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Hand broomsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Lighting

LED desk lampsqty 4

Tips

Plan at least three table tennis balls per active table, plus extra balls for losses and damaged equipment. Keep the spare balls at the reception desk so matches do not stop.
Bring one paddle for every player expected on court and at least two spare paddles. If players share equipment, check the grip and condition before the first match.
Prepare one score sheet and one pen or pencil for every match slot, with at least 10% extra copies. A printer, laptop and extension cords are easy to forget until the schedule changes.
For refreshments, allow two to three drinks per person during the first hour, then one drink per person for each additional hour. Add extra reusable cups so players are not forced to reuse unidentified cups.
Set out serving platters, tongs, plates and cutlery before the first break. Keep coffee mugs, kettles, thermos flasks and the coffee maker together so volunteers do not have to search during matches.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a table tennis tournament?: You need tables, nets, paddles, balls, scoreboards and floor barriers, as well as score sheets and basic printing equipment. Keep at least two spare paddles and one spare net available for a tournament day.
How many table tennis balls should I buy for a tournament?: Plan for at least three balls per active table, then add 20% extra for damaged or misplaced balls. For example, six tables require at least 18 balls in play, plus four or five spares.
How much food and drink do I need for a table tennis tournament?: Allow two to three drinks per participant during the first hour and one more per person for every additional hour. For food, prepare enough portions for the registered participants plus 10% extra.
What should I prepare for tournament registration and scoring?: Set up a reception desk with the laptop, printer, name badges and participant information before doors open. Print at least one score sheet per scheduled match and keep 10% extra copies for replacements or schedule changes.

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