Before a Table tennis match in Berlin At our sports center in Wittenau, we often hear both terms.
Some arrange to meet for „Table tennis“, others to „ping pong“. But isn't that exactly the same thing?
The short answer is: Yes and no. In common parlance, we mean the same sport. However, if you delve deep into the rules and history, there are fascinating differences. Here we explain what it's all about.
1. the name: a question of the brand
For a long time, „Ping Pong“ was simply the protected brand name for the game. In order not to infringe any trademark rights (the rights were held by Parker Brothers, among others), the official federations founded the sport under the name „Table Tennis“. This is why it is now called the „International Table Tennis Federation“ (ITTF) and not the „Ping-Pong Federation“. Table tennis is the official name for the competitive sport, while ping pong remains the colloquial term for the recreational game.
2. the equipment: spin vs. „sandpaper“
This is the biggest technical difference that purists emphasize:
- Table tennis: Here everything revolves around Spin (rotation). The rackets have rubber rubbers with a sponge base. This enables extreme speed and spin (topspin, undercut). It's the Olympic sport you see on TV.
- Ping Pong: In the modern definition of „ping pong“ (there is even a world championship!), all players use identical rackets with Sandpaper coating instead of rubber.
- The effect: Without rubber, there is hardly any spin. The game slows down, the rallies get longer and it depends less on the material and more on the feel of the ball.
What do we play at the Sportcenter Wittenau? We offer you professional Table tennis tables and lend out rackets with classic rubber rubbers. Technically speaking, you play table tennis with us. But the „spirit“ of ping pong - the fun of a long rally - is just as much at home with us.
3. the style of play: competition vs. socializing
For most people, the difference is defined by attitude:
- Table tennis is fast, physically demanding and tactical. You pay meticulous attention to the rules (serving technique, counting).
- Ping Pong is the sociable version. The focus here is on having fun. The rules are interpreted more loosely, you play „Rundlauf“ with a group and perhaps have a drink afterwards (or during).
4. the rules
The rules are strict in official table tennis:
- A set goes up to 11 points.
- Serves must throw the ball 16 cm high.
- Moaning or talking during the ball change is frowned upon.
Many people still count to 21 (the old counting method) when playing ping pong (in their free time) and don't take the serve very seriously.
Conclusion: Both are welcome here!
Whether you see yourself as an ambitious „table tennis player“ honing your topspin or a relaxed „ping-pong fan“ who wants to have a good time with friends - the Sportcenter Wittenau is your place for this.
Our three high-quality courts offer professional conditions, but the atmosphere is relaxed enough for pure leisure fun. And the best thing is: after the match, you can enjoy the social part of „ping pong“ in our restaurant. „Maria & Salvatore“ with pizza and pasta.
Call it what you like - the main thing is that you play!
Book your table tennis table online now
See also:
- How to choose the perfect table tennis bat
- The perfect shoes for table tennis
- The official table tennis rules
- 3 tips for faster reactions in table tennis
- How table tennis balls are made: A look behind the scenes
- How does point scoring work in table tennis?
- Learning table tennis: The most important basics for your start
- Table tennis doubles: the official rules explained simply