A table tennis racket is usually made of wood or plastic, with an attached rubber surface. The rubber surface on one side is red and the other side is black. Even the rackets of professional players are no exception. So why are the table tennis racket red on one side and black on the other? What color is the forehand and what color is the backhand? It can be quite confusing for those who start to play table tennis.
The table tennis racket has to be red on one side and black on the other because it’s the only way to make it fair for both players.
The player who uses the red side of the ping pong racket can see where they are hitting it better than if they were using the black side. And vice versa, the player who uses a black ping pong racket can see where they are hitting it better than if they were using a red ping pong racket.
The History Of Table Tennis Racket Colors
Table tennis rackets have been around for centuries, but their color scheme has changed over time. Originally, the paddles used to play the game were made out of wood and painted white. This was because it was believed that a white racket was easier to see against the table’s dark surface. As the game gained popularity, people began to experiment with different colors.
In the early 1900s, colorful rubber sheets were attached to wooden paddles and players began using red and black rubber sheets. It soon became popular among players as they felt this combination provided better control when playing the game. This two-tone style of the racket has become synonymous with table tennis ever since.
Today, most professional table tennis players use paddle designs with rubber sheets that are either red or black on one side and white or yellow on the other. The reason for this is that these colors provide good contrast when playing against an opponent, making it easier for them to track the ball as it moves across the table.
There Were No Color Rules on Rubber on the Earlier Day
In fact, in the earliest days, the ITTF did not have strict regulations on the color of table tennis rackets. A player can choose both sides to be red or both sides to be black.
However, we all know that Chinese table tennis players are very strong. Especially playing in world tournaments. Almost all championship tournaments have been dominated by Chinese players from many years ago until now.
And they are good at manipulating the rules. Since at the time when there was no rule stating where a table tennis racket need to be black color on one side and red on the other, the Chinese players are good at playing tricks by using both black rubbers or red rubbers on the racket. But on one side they will use the inverted rubber and on the other side, they will use the long pips.
Since both rubbers are having the same color with different functions of rubber, they managed to trick the opponent. The opponent gets confused to receive the shot where some time was vigorous and powerful, and sometimes the spin becomes less and erratically. This makes the opponent very hard to predict the shot and tends to lose many points and end up losing the game. Many players not only get confused by the trick played by Chinese players that use different rubbers with the same color, but they also felt very pissed off by this.
Therefore, after some time, the ITTF realized the issue and came out with new rules. where table tennis rackets no longer can have the same color for both sides. Instead, one side needs to be red and the other side needs to be black.
From then on, table tennis rackets are red on one side and black on the other to facilitate the distinction between the colors of the two sides during the game.
Furthermore, while playing table tennis, there are usually two players, who will stand on opposite sides of a table and compete with different colored table tennis paddles. In order to distinguish the batting side more conveniently, one side of the table tennis racket is red and the other side is black. This makes it easier for referees and spectators to see which side hits when a player hits the ball during a game. The red rubber on one side of the table also allows players to see the ball more clearly and react more quickly.
Rubber and Sponge
Some players, they are using a racket where the red side is called the “rubber” side. The rubber on this side is used to bounce the ball back over the net.
The black side of the table tennis racket is called the “sponge” side. The sponge on this side is used to create a more powerful push when you hit the ball with your paddle.
In table tennis, you have to use both sides of your paddle for different things during a game, so it’s important that both sides are different colors so you know which one to use at any given time!
Psychology Talk
For some players, they said black color will make people remain calm, while red will make people excited. Therefore, when come to playing table tennis, if you choose red as your forehand, it is likely to arouse your opponent’s emotions after hitting the ball many times. Your opponent will play more excitedly which will increase the difficulty for you to win the game.
Therefore, most professional players in the world will choose black as their forehand rubber, with the purpose of suppressing the opponent’s performance. But such psychology talk has no scientific proof so far.
The Influence Of Color Psychology
Beyond the practical considerations of racket design, many players also consider the psychological impact that color can have on their performance. Red and black are two very strong colors, and they have a lot of influence in the world of table tennis. Red is often associated with passion, confidence, and power – qualities that can boost your performance in the game. Black, on the other hand, symbolizes strength and stability – perfect for those looking to stay focused during intense rallies.
The combination of red and black also serves to create a sense of balance between these two powerful emotions. The interplay between both colors gives players an opportunity to explore different aspects of their game without fear or anxiety. In this way, choosing a red and black racket can be more than just an aesthetic choice – it can be a way to tap into your inner strength and find your true potential as an athlete.
Other Elements that Affect the Paddle’s Color
Imagine this – you step onto the court, your heart beating with anticipation. You know that every element of your game needs to be spot-on if you want to come out on top. And that includes the color of your clothing and equipment.
Color does matter in the game of ping pong. And it’s not just about looking stylish or coordinated. It can actually impact your performance.
For example, if you wearing a shirt that’s the same color as your rubber, it may confuse your opponent when you make the serve close to your body. The receiver will have a harder time seeing your serve swing before contact, making it more difficult to return the serve. Of course, it’s important to remember that the receiver still needs to be able to see the contact for it to be legal.
And then there’s the color of the ball itself. If you want to really mess with your opponents. Using a white or orange ball on a red rubber makes it lack contrast and your opponent may have difficulty tracking the ball. On the other hand, a white ball on a black rubber is high contrast and easy to see, making it more noticeable to your opponents.
Are There Any Health Benefits Associated With Using Red And Black Table Tennis Rackets?
When it comes to table tennis rackets, many people assume that the color of the racket has no impact on their performance. However, there is evidence to suggest that health benefits may be associated with using red and black table tennis rackets. This raises the question: are there any health benefits associated with using red and black table tennis rackets?
It is believed that the use of red and black table tennis rackets can benefit players from a psychological perspective. Studies have shown that when athletes play with bright-colored equipment, such as a red and black racket, they become more focused and engaged in their sport. Additionally, the color contrast between the two colors makes it easier for players to see where their shots are going, leading to increased accuracy.
Furthermore, some research suggests that playing with a red and black racket can help increase hand-eye coordination. It has been observed that when players use a colorful racket like this one, they are able to better track the ball due to its contrasting colors. This improved tracking ability helps improve reaction time which can lead to more successful shots being made during a match.
In short, while it is true that the color of a racket does not directly affect its performance in terms of speed or power, there are still several potential health benefits associated with using red and black table tennis rackets such as improved focus and hand-eye coordination. As such, those looking to improve their game should consider giving these unique colored rackets a try!