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September 13, 2025
September 13, 2025
All Players are Welcome
Whether you are looking for social play just for fun, or aiming for proficiency—you will have those opportunities in our Table Tennis Club.
In September we are going to have a club meeting to discuss how to improve things further, for example with dedicated time slots or reserved tables for various profiles.
Members and their guests are invited to our club picnic on September 27.
Our current playtime schedule at West Rec. is Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 3–5 p.m.
Please visit also our website https://sites.google. com/view/oakttclub for further information.
You can contact us by email oakttclub@gmail.com.
Herbert
August 15, 2025
August 15, 2025
West Rec Center Closed September 8th through 12th
Due to the strong odors from the flooring application in the Lower West Rec, OVA Management informed that the Upper West Rec will be closed for the week of September 8th through 12th. They apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
Herbert
August 7, 2025
August 7, 2025
West Rec Center Access
The bridge leading to the West Rec Center is currently closed for repairs. It is anticipated to re-open on Sunday morning, August 10th. You can still enter the West Rec using the side door located on the tennis court side.
Herbert
July 22, 2025
July 22, 2025
Grandparents Week Table Tennis 2025
Due to using the upper West for Grandparents week on Tuesday, July 22, table tennis will begin at 3:30 rather then 3 that day.
Phyllis
June 14, 2025 (update)
June 14, 2025 (update)
Table Tennis Picnic 2025
Unfortunately, many people are unavailable on June 14, so we’ll need to cancel for now. We plan to reschedule in the fall, when more people will hopefully be able to join. Looking forward to a future picnic! Thank you all for your responses.
Phyllis
Join us for our Annual Table Tennis Picnic!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 14th, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at the West Rec picnic area (lower-level parking lot near the horseshoe pits). Come enjoy great food, drinks, and the company of fellow members and guests. We look forward to a fun and relaxing afternoon together!
May 24, 2025
May 24, 2025
Do we play Table Tennis or Ping Pong?
Meanwhile there are different rules, and separate championships: ITTF WTT Championship for Table Tennis, and WCPP for Ping Pong.
Ping Pong is becoming increasingly popular, as evidenced by the growing number of participants in the tournaments offered. It offers also health benefits – same as with Table Tennis.
For most players, the special thrill of Ping Pong lies in the "equality of arms": no material disadvantages, no nasty spin, no nasty serve tricks.
The racket consists of a simple piece of wood covered with sandpaper on both sides. This makes the game almost rotation-free, significantly slower, and easier to follow for outsiders and the media. Meanwhile also basic and advanced rubber-based rackets are used in addition.
The game is played to two winning sets up to the 15th point. Each set ends when the first player scores 15 points. In the deciding set, the sides change when the first player scores seven points.
Each player has one opportunity per match to claim a double point ball. This must be taken during their own serve and no later than their own 13th point in a set. If the server wins this rally, they receive two points. Otherwise, the opponent receives one point. Scoring and service exchanges remain unaffected. The server always serves two consecutively.
Before each change of sides, each player places the previously used racket on their side of the table. After changing sides, they use the racket their opponent used previously.
All other rules are the same as for Table Tennis.
Within our Oakmont Table Tennis Club, we rely on ITTF – as outlined at our website at OTTC Rules.
However, players can certainly try out also Ping Pong rules.
Herbert
February 27, 2025
February 27, 2025
The West Rec. will be closed--no table tennis--on the following dates in March 2025:
Friday, 3/7
Sunday, 3/9
Sunday, 3/16
Thanks,
Jeanne
FASCINATING FACTS about Table Tennis (TT) that might surprise:
1. TT Was Once Illegal
Unbelievably, table tennis was banned in the USSR during the early 20th century. The government believed the sport could damage players’ eyesight and nerves. Thankfully, that changed.
2. One of the Fastest Sports Ever
A TT ball can travel at speeds of over 60 miles per hour during a professional match – faster than most cars on city roads! Players need lightning-fast reflexes.
3. Originated as a Parlor Pastime
TT began in England in the 1880s as an after-dinner activity for the elite. People used books as paddles and as a net. Balls? Often corks or rubber balls.
4. Name “Ping Pong” Was Trademarked
In the early 1900s, “Ping Pong” was trademarked by a British company, J. Jaques & Son Ltd., who sold the rights to Parker Brothers. The official sport is called “Table Tennis”.
5. Spin Game Is Insane
If you’ve ever played casually, you know adding spin can throw off your opponent. Did you know pros can spin the ball up to 9,000 revolutions per minute? That’s faster than most car engines rev!
6. China Dominates the Sport
China has been the undisputed king of TT for decades. Since the sport’s inclusion in the Olympics in 1988, Chinese players have won over 80% of the medals.
7. Balls Surprisingly Fragile
Ever accidentally crushed a TT ball? It’s no surprise, considering they’re only 0.7 millimeters thick. Despite their fragility, these balls can withstand high-speed impacts and still bounce perfectly.
8. Longest Rally – Over 8 Hours
In 2024, two players in England set the record for the longest TT rally, which lasted a jaw-dropping 13 hours, 36 minutes, and 36 seconds. Imagine the stamina and focus required!
Come join us at West Rec T-TH-FR-SU 3-5 PM : ]
Why do I play table tennis?
Despite many well-documented health advantages, the main reason I play, frankly, is for the fun! But if you’re still on the fence, and need further convincing, here are ten key benefits of the sport.
1. Improves hand-eye coordination: Ping pong stimulates mental alertness, concentration and tactical strategy.
2. Develops mental acuity. The speed, spin and placement of the ball are crucial in table tennis, and practiced players learn to navigate the complexity.
3. Improves reflexes. Due to the fast-paced, short-distance nature of the sport, both gross and fine muscle movements are improved. The game is distinguished by bursts of exertion and recovery, leading to fast-twitch muscle development.
4. It’s easy on the joints. If you’ve had knee surgery or back problems, it’s a great way to improve leg, arm and core strength without overtaxing your joints.
5. Burns calories. A 150-pound person can burn 272 calories by playing ping pong for an hour.
6. Offers a social outlet. Table tennis offers a great way to connect with other people.
7. Keeps your brain sharp. Alzheimer’s Weekly reports a clear increase in motor skills and cognitive awareness from playing table tennis.
8. Improves physical fitness. Footwork boosts agility and cardio.
9. Improves balance. Staying balanced and the ability to quickly change direction are key.
10. Stimulates various parts of the brain. One example—by anticipating an opponent’s shot, a player uses the prefrontal cortex for strategic planning.
At Oakmont Table Tennis Club, players of all levels are always welcome. If you’re not eager for competitive play, you might want to try our new hours on Thursday evenings for social players and newcomers. Come join us for your health—stay for the fun.
Club hours: West Rec: T-TH-FR 3:00-5:30 PM; TH 5:00-7:00 (Social); 4th SUN 3:00-5:30 PM
So who invented table tennis, also known as ping pong or whiff whaff? This honor goes to Englishman David Foster. He patented the first table tennis-style game called Parlour Table Games in England in 1890. This not only included popular lawn tennis (old table tennis), but also cricket and football.
My first exposure to table tennis came at about age 7, with a younger brother of 5. Our parents had a table in our living room (no furniture), and we played mixed doubles after dinner. The losing team did the dishes — so we tried HARD to win. We also learned to lose gracefully, and most of all to have fun. Competition is good, as long as it’s friendly and you learn.
Many of us remember the game as 21 points, and may still play that way. But in 2001 the game evolved to an 11 point game. (Where were we 23 years ago when that memo came out?) So the Oakmont TT Club now plays our games to 11 – just an explanation.
OVA just installed a safety door at the top of our stairwell to improve safety for everyone. They are also looking to gradually replace our aging tables with newer, better ones. Huzzah!
We play in the West Rec upstairs almost every T, TH and FR – and the 4th SUN of each month from 3:00-5:30 PM. Please come give it a try with us; we’ll be happy to show you around. We compete, but we’re here to have fun. Here is a link to our club page: https://oakmontvillage.com/article/author/table-tennis-club/.
Oakmont’s Table Tennis Club is active, competitive, and social – with lots of laughter.
Table tennis (also known as ping-pong) is a relatively accessible sport, open to all ages and types of athletes. Table tennis, in truth, requires skill and athleticism to master, and in turn offers real physical and mental benefits. It does require some degree of hand-eye coordination, along with general physical coordination as well. Playing table tennis provides great agility work, coordination, and cardio. Mentally, it’s good for your focus and resilience. Most importantly, it is a lot of fun to play.
The general skill level is mostly intermediate and above, but we welcome beginners, who can play as a group if desired. Regretfully, we do not have the resources to provide teaching or training, but our members are friendly and approachable. The general mode of play is doubles (to include more players), and singles play is welcome when space allows. We play both older scoring (to 21) and newer scoring (best 2 of 3 games to 11). There are loaner paddles available if you don’t have your own.
Feel free to email us at the address below with any questions, or to be added to our internal Google Group member list. Or just come join us to check it out!
Location: Upper West Rec
Open Play
Weekly: Tuesday 3:30 PM; Thursday 3:00 PM; Friday 3:00 PM
Monthly: 4th Sunday 3:00 PM
Contact Email: oakttclub@gmail.com
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