ping pong paddle colors

Ping Pong 101: Why Your Ping Pong Paddle Red & Black? Why 2 Different Colors?

If you've played ping pong before then you probably want to know why both sides of the ping pong paddle are different colors. Specifically, red and black. Let's talk about these reasons in some detail.

History of Ping Pong Paddle Color Difference

There's a reason why ping pong paddles have two different sides to them with different colors. This all originated long ago when ping pong clubs began having competitions. Players would show up to these competitions and break rules. They did this to prevent players from having two different advanced specialized rubber sheets with very different playing characteristics, or rubber sheets of the same type with one side altered, from having an advantage over their opponents. Nowadays, the ping pong paddles are checked to see that they're made the right way and don't break any rules. This prevents cheating, and helps out the game greatly.

Is There an Advantage to Using The Red or Black Side?

In most cases, ping pong paddles that have different colors on each side have a competitive advantage to each side. For example: the black side might allow for less spin than the red side, and vice versa. This allows the players to flip the paddle if they want to return the ball in a certain manner. Ping pong rules even state that players are allowed to inspect their opponents paddle to see what kind of spins they're using.

Which Side Does What For a Ping Pong Paddle?

While this isn't always true, in most cases the red side allows the ping pong ball to go faster. The black side is usually known to put a better spin on the ball. However, there are a lot of times where you can buy your own rubbers to put on your paddle. This way, you can choose which side you want to be used for what. As for a final tip, you should wear a shirt that's the same color as the side of the paddle you return the ball with. This can confuse your opponent and make it visually difficult on him/her. ping pong red paddle
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