The most minimalist classic discipline — played with a bare wood blade and no rubber or sandpaper covering of any kind.
WoodBat is the purest form of table tennis imaginable — a bare wooden blade, no rubber, no sandpaper, no surface treatment of any kind. Just skill, precision, and natural wood.
The discipline demands extraordinary touch, feel, and accuracy. Because the wood surface provides almost no friction enhancement, every stroke must be executed with exacting precision. Serves are subtle, rallies are controlled, and winners are constructed through meticulous placement rather than power.
WoodBat is the smallest of the three ICTTF disciplines but commands fierce devotion from its practitioners. The Tokyo WoodBat Masters is widely considered one of the most technically demanding events in all of table tennis.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Natural wood only — no composites |
| Surface Covering | NONE — bare wood only |
| Surface Treatment | Light oil or wax permitted — no coatings that add grip |
| Maximum Thickness | No thickness Restriction |
| Handle | Integrated wood handle only (rubber grip) |
| Wood Species | Any approved natural wood (see approved list) |
| Certification | ICTTF certification label required |
The ICTTF maintains an approved wood species list. Commonly approved species include cypress, hinoki, kiri (paulownia), ayous, and limba. Exotic or very hard species may require individual approval. The full list is available on the ICTTF member portal.
Only light natural oil finishes (linseed oil, tung oil) or natural beeswax are permitted. Any lacquer, varnish, polyurethane, or synthetic coating that changes the surface texture or adds friction is prohibited. Blades will be inspected using tactile feel and, if necessary, friction-measurement equipment.
No. The entire bat — including the handle — must be natural wood. Rubber grip tape, cork wrapping, or any non-wood handle material is prohibited. The handle must be an integral part of the wood blade.
Keep your WoodBat in a protective case when not in use. Avoid humidity extremes which can cause warping. Apply a thin coat of approved natural oil 2–3 times per year to maintain the wood. Sand lightly with 400-grit paper if the surface develops roughness, then re-oil. Store flat, not on edge.
