Paddle Palace sent head coach Jiwei Xia to the Bay Area to work directly with the Micro Motion Table Tennis Academy community. Jiwei spent the weekend helping players understand their equipment, test different setups, and learn how to assemble a racket with the same care used by high-level competitors.
Jiwei shared this message with the group:
“I showed players and families how to glue their paddles the right way. A thin and even glue layer creates a smooth surface that keeps the bounce consistent across the racket. Letting the glue dry fully gives the sponge and rubber their full dynamic effect. When players understand this process, they get a cleaner feel and a more reliable response on every stroke. Protecting the blade and rubber edges keeps the setup performing through long training sessions. Good habits extend the life of your gear and help you judge when equipment needs to be updated. Testing different Paddle Palace blades and rubbers gave players the chance to choose what felt right instead of guessing.”
He also spoke about replacing rubber on a predictable schedule instead of waiting until grip and bounce drop off. Many young players struggled with inconsistency simply because their rubber had aged far past its peak. Jiwei encouraged tournament players to plan rubber changes so they stop relying on worn gear during key events. Players also learned the value of carrying a second paddle. If a rubber tears or a blade breaks, the umpire will require an immediate change. A serious player keeps a backup setup with a similar feel so they stay ready for the next point and avoid losing rhythm during competition.
Micro Motion Table Tennis Academy founder Boliang Lyu highlighted the value of working with Paddle Palace:
“Micro Motion Table Tennis Academy is serious about our performance. Our relationship with Paddle Palace allows us to provide the highest-quality equipment from all the major brands. Having an expert like Jiwei Xia visit our team members to educate them on paddle care and to test all the major brands to customize their needs was exactly what we hoped for.”
Players tried different blade constructions and rubber families to understand how each combination changed their touch. Parents appreciated having clear advice rather than relying on trial and error.
This weekend highlighted the value of working together. Partnerships with Paddle Palace give clubs access to honest guidance and deep equipment knowledge. We appreciated the chance to work with the Micro Motion Table Tennis community and look forward to future collaborations that support clubs and help players develop.
