Did you know the sport ping pong, also known as table tennis, can be a secret weapon for improving your pickleball skills? While they may seem like distinct sports, table tennis offers a surprising number of benefits that translate beautifully to the pickleball court.
As an Amazon Associate I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Jump To:
Best Table Tennis Brands on Amazon
Where does the name Ping Pong and Table Tennis come from?
How Can Ping Pong Help Your Pickleball Game?
Five Skills that Table Tennis Sharpens
Table Tennis Foldable Options
How to convert any table into a table tennis table
PicklePong Deb explains how Pickleball got moves from Ping Pong
Where does the name Ping Pong and Table Tennis come from?
Ping Pong. Ping Pong. The playful term is believed to be onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound the ball makes when hitting the paddle.
“Table tennis,” on the other hand, is a more formal term that reflects the game’s origins on a miniature tennis court played on a table.
JP WinLook Ping Pong Paddles Set
According to Wikipedia, J. Jaques & Son Ltd, a British manufacturer, trademarked the words “ping-pong” it in 1901. The name “ping-pong” then came to describe the game played using the rather expensive Jaques’s equipment, with other manufacturers calling it table tennis.
A similar situation arose in the United States, where Jaques sold the rights to the “ping-pong” name to Parker Brothers.
Known for the game Tiddledy Winks, Parker Brothers enforced its trademark for the term “Ping Pong” in the 1920s, making other manufacturers change their game names to the generic “table tennis”.
House of Marbles Tiddlywinks, a Traditional Family Game
Parker Brothers was purchased by Hasbro in 1991; and merged with Milton Bradley to be reincorporated as “Hasbro Games” (now Hasbro Gaming) in 1998.
How Can Table Tennis Help Your Pickleball Game?
While pickleball and table tennis are distinct games, they share surprising similarities. Mastering the fast-paced rallies and strategic finesse of the pong ball can translate into significant improvements on the pickleball court.
JOOLA Inside – Professional MDF Indoor Table Tennis Table
Five Skills that Table Tennis Sharpens for Pickleball
Both pickleball and table tennis require quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and strategic thinking.
1. Ping Pong Sharpen Your Reflexes
Table tennis is a lightning-quick game, demanding exceptional reaction time. Regularly playing table tennis can hone your reflexes, allowing you to react faster to your opponent’s shots in pickleball.
2. Helps You to Master the Sweet Spot
Both games require precise paddle control to hit the ball cleanly.
The table tennis smaller court and lighter ball force you to develop a delicate touch, translating into pinpoint accuracy and power when transitioning to the larger pickleball paddle.
3. Footwork Finesse
Effective footwork is crucial in both games.
The emphasis on quick pivots and shuffling steps helps you develop the agility and footwork needed to dominate the pickleball court.
4. Master Hand-Eye Coordination
Table tennis requires precise hand-eye coordination to control the paddle and maneuver the ball. This translates directly to better control and shot placement in pickleball.
5. Develop Spin Techniques
Mastering spin gives you an edge over your opponent. These same skills can be used to add finesse and control to your pickleball game.
Best Ping Pong Table Tennis Brands
Stiga
STIGA XTR Professional Outdoor Table Tennis Tables
Joola
JOOLA NOVA – Outdoor Table Tennis Table with Waterproof Net Set – Quick Assembly
DONIC
DONIC Waldner Classic 25 Table Tennis Table
Cornilleau
CORNILLEAU – 500X Outdoor Table Tennis Table
Killerspin
Killerspin JET200 Ping Pong Paddle
Kettler
KETTLER Eden Weatherproof Stationary Outdoor Table Tennis
Nittaku
NITTAKU 3-Star Premium 40+ Table Tennis Balls
STIGA Raptor Performance Ping Pong Paddle
Foldable Table Options
Do you like the idea of a Ping Pong table but don’t have the space for a stationary table? How about a foldable table?
What are the positives of a foldable ping pong table?
1 – Space-Saving: Foldable tables are perfect for smaller living spaces.
HEAD Summit USA Indoor Table Tennis Table
2 – Portability: Easily take the game outdoors or to a friend’s house.
Black Blue Folding Rolling Table Tennis
3 – Affordability: Generally less expensive than full-sized tables.
PRO SPIN Midsize Ping Pong Table | Foldable
4- Self-Play: You can practice against yourself!
Some things to also consider when purchasing a foldable table tennis table.
First, the stability. They may not be as stable as stationary tables, especially during intense rallies. Second, folding mechanisms may wear down over time so the durability might not be as long lasting. And finally, the playing surface might not offer the same high quality playing experience as a stationary ping pong table.
How to convert any table into a Ping Pong table
Another option is a JOOLA Tennis Table Top Conversion Top with Apron.
This foldable table top can convert your billiard, dining or outdoor picnic table into a 12mm thick, regulation size (9x5ft) table tennis table in just minutes. And it is perfect for storage as it folds away.
Who is PicklePong Deb?
PicklePong Deb, Deb Harrison, is a Pickleball US Open Gold Medalist who shares how some of the key components of Pickleball were adapted from Ping Pong such as “The Loop” and “The Backhand.”
Ready to Give Ping Pong a Try?
Practice Makes Perfect
Looking for places to hone your skills?
If you don’t have space for a table, you can search online for “ping pong near me” or “table tennis near me” or “tennis table near me” to find local clubs, recreation centers or community centers. You can also look for “outdoor table tennis” options for some fresh-air fun. You might also find a partner to practice with!
So next time you’re looking for a way to boost your pickleball game or sharper up your pickleball skills, simply grab a paddle and give it a go! You might be surprised at how much it helps you elevate your skills on the pickleball court.
Join My Newsletter! Subscribe here.
Happy People Pickleball
Happy People Pickleball is a Pickleball and lifestyle trends blog.
Follow us for ideas and trends in Pickleball clothes, beauty, jewelry, parties, gifting, equipment, fitness, health & wellness, and travel.
After a successful professional decade in a sales and marketing career, Brigette transitioned into the role of a dedicated stay-at-home mom and a passionate community volunteer, supporting local educational foundations and non-profit organizations for the benefit of children and the community.
You can mostly catch Brigette driving her kids to school or walking her Boston Terrier, CC and always trying to play her next game of Pickleball. Connect with her on Facebook and Pinterest!
Like this article? Leave a google review here!
