DIY Magnetic Ball Holder for Table Tennis Tables (Cheap, Simple & Surprisingly Strong)

[Arkady]

After trying different ways to keep practice balls close at hand, we came up with this very simple solution at our club.


It works great for serve practice, one on one drills or simply keeping each table's balls separate. The best part is that it takes only a few minutes to make and doesn't require any permanent modification to the table.

Materials​

• 1 plastic storage box
  • I use the IKEA SAMLA (article 094.408.39), but almost any similar plastic box will work.
• 2 neodymium magnets
  • 37 × 17 × 3 mm
• Wide duct tape (or any strong tape)
• Drill (or any tool to make small holes)

How to Build It​

1. Place one magnet near each end of the box, just below the upper rim.
2. Secure each magnet with a piece of wide duct tape.
3. At each magnet position, drill one or two small holes through the plastic.
4. The holes allow the magnet to make direct contact with the steel frame of the table instead of having the plastic wall between them. This noticeably increases the holding force.
5. Attach the box to the metal frame underneath the table. The two magnets hold it firmly in place while still allowing it to be removed in seconds.

Why I Like This Design​

• Very inexpensive.
• Takes about 10 minutes to build.
• No permanent modification to the table.
• Easy to remove or reposition.
• Holds plenty of practice balls.
• Strong enough that it doesn't move during normal use.
• Perfect for serve practice or multiball sessions.

I've attached a few photos showing the construction and how it's mounted on the table.


If anyone builds one, I'd be interested to hear if you make any improvements or use a different type of box or magnets.

I am using these magnets

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009673440700.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.15.3e5c1802NSJkrp

 

[barusu]

Wow this is clever. Nice idea!

 

[KM1976]

Awesome, this is great!

 

[Metaxa]

Greek style!🥰

 

[Arkady]

Here's a video how it actually works