Why Is Table Tennis Played Indoor? (Question Answered)
As we all know, table tennis is an indoor sport, but there are also outdoor ping pong tables. Why is it that if there are both kinds of tables inside and outside, are all the competitions done inside? That is a good question.
This article will teach you everything about why table tennis is played inside, why table tennis is so popular, and its benefits. But first, why is table tennis played indoor?
Table tennis is played indoors because it is the optimal environment for it. When table tennis is played inside, the table doesn’t get ruined by too much moisture or sunlight, or the ball’s movement doesn’t get affected by wind. Also, taraflex floors inside are the best for grip.
As we can see, there are many variables why it is best to play table tennis inside. However, table tennis can be played easily outside, but it needs to have the perfect conditions for a fair match for competitions, tournaments, and the Olympics.
Now, let’s take a look at why table tennis is an indoor game individually, so you can really understand why tournaments, for example, can’t be played outside.
Learn more: Indoor Vs Outdoor Table Tennis Tables (7 Differences)
Contents
1. Playing surface
The playing surface is an important thing to consider. Indoor table tennis tables have a way better-playing surface when it comes to the ping pong balls bounces, grip, etc. This is because indoor ping pong tables are usually made from wood, whereas outdoor tables from aluminum or stainless steel.
Table tennis players know that all things will affect the ball’s movement because it weighs only about 2.7g.
Also, playing surface is important because players will play in many different places because of tournaments and competitions. Therefore all players should be accustomed to the same playing surface so that nobody would have an advantage over the other.
Even if everything about this would be perfect, there are still more things to the equation. Such as weather.
2. Weather reasons
Weather is probably the biggest reason of all why table tennis is played inside. Sunlight isn’t good for the wooden table, and if the table is under sunlight for even a moment, it can crack and warp.
Also, moisture won’t do good to wooden ping pong tables either, and if a table were kept outside when it’s moist or wet, it would absorb the moisture, which would result in a ruined table.
These things won’t affect outdoor ping pong tables; however, as we previously went through, the playing surface wouldn’t be optimal and fair to all.
That’s not all because the wind will affect everythign as well. First, wind can blow debris, leaves, and other obstacles to the table, which would certainly harm the table’s surface and even more the ping pong ball’s course. In addition, the wind itself will affect the ping pong balls’ path because they weigh so little. Therefore, table tennis needs to be played inside.
If you want to learn more about how weather affects table tennis, check out my article about it!
3. Ground and floor
If these two things as their own aren’t enough, which they are, we still need to think about the ground or floor the table tennis players play on.
If table tennis were played outdoors, the ground wouldn’t be optimal for the athlete’s footing, grip, nor would it be good for the table tennis shoes either. Of course, everything can be built, but a proper floor built outside make’s no sense because there are already the best floors inside, and it would be much more expensive to do so.
Let’s move inside. The floors on table tennis clubs and stations are usually taraflex floors. These are the famous red table tennis floors that are soft with a good grip for many reasons.
First, a soft floor will allow more shock absorption, grip, and comfort for the players to play their matches without agony and optimal grip. Also, soft floors are great because when a ping pong ball hits the floor, it doesn’t bounce to the next zip code.
All these three things considered, I am sure that it is best to play table tennis inside. However, I enjoy playing casual table tennis matches with my brother and friends when it’s a warm and dry weather day.
A proper indoor table tennis floor can be harsh on your feet. That’s why I think you should read my guide and recommended table tennis shoes presently.
What is the reason behind the popularity of table tennis
Table tennis is popular because it is cheap and easy to start Table tennis is also age-friendly and an individual game that attracts certain types of people. Finally, table tennis relieves stress, is good for the brain, and keeps overall fitness in shape.
Read also: Can You Make Money Playing Table Tennis?
Which country is famous for table tennis
Table tennis is famous worldwide; however, it is most popular in Europe and Asia. The most popular table tennis countries from Europe are Germany and Hungary. In Asia, table tennis is the most popular, and especially China, South Korea, and Japan are famous for it.
How can table tennis help you in achieving a healthier lifestyle
Table tennis results in a healthier lifestyle by getting your muscles, joints, and whole body to move which is always good for fitness. Also, it’s a good stress reliever, and you can get social interaction from other players. Finally, it enhances your mental state, reflexes, and concentration.
Learn more about the muscular benefits and mental training tips about my in-depth articles where I cover these subjects quite in-depth.
How was table tennis created
In short, the earliest form of table tennis was created by British military officers around the 1870s by placing stacks of books on the table as a net, taking books on their hands as rackets and a golf ball to play with. The first unofficial table tennis championships were held in 1902.
My Favorite Table Tennis Equipment
Thanks for reading this article. I hope it brought you great value that you can implement into your own life! Here you can find my preferred table tennis equipment that I believe you could benefit too!
- Racket: My favorite racket choice is the beautiful Killerspin Jet800 because it fits my offensive and speed-focused playstyle. The two carbon layers, 2.1mm sponge, and 190g weight makes this racket powerful.
- Ping Pong Balls: New technology and design have made the JOOLA Flash Seamless 3-Star Balls stand out from the other balls. These balls are seamless, meaning they are more durable than any ball with a seam! Even when these balls come at a higher price, they will pay themselves quickly. As a bonus, the design makes me excited!
- Table Tennis shoes: The famous Butterfly Lezoline Rifones is my choice as it is for many others because they are designed specifically for table tennis standards. I like the excellent support, comfortable cushioning, and lightweight sole with great traction, which gets you exploding fast to whatever direction you need to.
- Fan Equipment: If you’re a fan more than a player, you don’t want to miss Fan Equipment by Fanatics. You can find items from various sports that bear your favorite team’s logo, such as jerseys, gift ideas, or other surprising things.
Conclusion
As we can see, there are many reasons why table tennis is played mainly inside, and all the competitions and tournaments are played indoors. I always love a relaxed game of table tennis outside when there is no heavy competition involved, but when I need to compete, I won’t do it outside by any means.
I hope that this article was helpful to you, and you now know why table tennis is an indoor game.
