Club Reviews

These opinions are my own, your milage may vary.  They are based on my experience, I don't often visit some of these clubs, my impressions are not equal.  Try all the programs that are feasible for you

Notes for beginners and recreational players

Table tennis is an Olympic sport, respect the facility, tables, and players.  How to lose friends and alienate people: walking or standing in the court of play while a point is in progress; talking/socializing with players that are in the middle of a competitive match; always pursuing matches only with the best players, when players at or below your level are available and waiting

Want to make a good first impression? Bring your own racket and ball.  Some of these facilities have low quality loaners available, and some players might have a spare to lend.  But you can only make a first impression once, and breaking into the social environment has it's challenges 

Altamonte Springs - North Orlando TTC has been the fastest growing club in the past 2 years, they have a diverse group of players, including beginners and recreational players.  They have a winner stays up system, so call winners on a table with others that look your level.  For the introverts: you may need to put yourself out there beyond your comfort zone, call winners, talk the other players waiting, ask them for help finding a match

CFTTC - The best way to get started here is to sign up for coaching, and play in the unsanctioned tournaments they host.  Monday, Wednesday, and Friday all the best players play, and it's winner stays up.  Very difficult for beginners to break in on these club nights

Renaissance Senior Center - Open to anyone 18 years or older.  A great social atmosphere, with cushioned seating insulated from the sound by glass windows.  Most mornings it is often empty, bring a playing partner.  Weekday afternoons is mostly seniors, usually happy to work anyone into the rotation or doubles.  Weekdays 4-7 and weekends, the intermediate and advanced players are out in force.  They play winner stays up (despite the posted rules saying otherwise), and beginners will get considerably less play time than the off hours.  It is free to play, try it several times to see if you like it

West Oaks - The best way to get started here is to sign up for coaching.  Most of the regulars are pre-intermated and up, so your best bet is to bring a practice partner.  They play winner stays up, so challenge a table.  Seating is sparse, and passage around the tables is cramped, making the social environment difficult to break into

Winter Park - The only program that does not play winner stays up,  beginners will get table time.  All of the regulars are pre-intermediate and up, beginners have a tough time scoring points, and rarely come back a second time.  The rec room at Winter Park is free for all, and has one table, which is often available.  It is open play, and very rarely is anyone looking for a match, so bring a partner if you want to try this facility.

UFC - Students only, all levels invited, club membership fee required

Sanford Senior Center - Age 55 and up only, ID required, mostly beginners and recreational players