Q. Did the price increase to $10?
A. Yes, by Decatur Parks and Recreation. For non-City of Decatur residents (outside of zip code 30030) the price is $10. If you are lucky enough to live inside of 30030 the price is $5. Please pay the attendant at the front desk in cash only unless told otherwise.
Q. Is there free parking?
A. Yes. You have to park in the parking deck behind the library next door. However, spaces can be limited especially when there’s a special event in Downtown Decatur. On the weekends, the paid parking spots are free in Decatur.
Q. Do I have to bring my own paddle and balls?
A. No, but it is highly recommended that you do. The club has a few loaner paddles, but they are not in the greatest condition and are often in use. It is better for you to bring your own brand new paddle and balls rather than hope the loaner equipment is still available.
Q. I don’t have a paddle. Where can I buy one?
A. You have a few options depending on your skill level.
- Novice: If you are just playing with family and friends for fun, you can go to your local sporting goods store and purchase a premade paddle off the shelf. Dick’s Sporting Goods or Play it Again Sports are great local options to try. Amazon also has a great selection.
- Beginner: If you have a premade and/or want a racket with replaceable rubber try ColesTT.com. Coles has some excellent starter rackets at really affordable prices.
- Intermediate to Advanced: If you want to get the absolute best gear available in the US you can check out Paddle Palace, Butterfly, Megaspin, Joola, Zeropong.com or Tabletennisstore.us
Q. I plan on coming to the club very soon. How are matches set up?
A. The entire club has casual match ups. First, find a table with players around your skill level. In between points or at a break in their warm up, politely ask one of the players for the next game. Winner stays on the table.
Q. What are the match rules? How many games do you play?
A. Decatur uses standard Table Tennis rules: Matches are best-of-5 with each game going to 11 points. Players switch service every 2 points. At the end of each game, players switch sides of the table. The first player to win 3 games wins the match.
Q. How many tables are there?
A. Usually we have about 10-12 tables set up during each session.
Q. What kind of tables?
A. We have a mixture of tournament and club quality Butterfly and Donic tables.
Q. Is there a long wait for games?
A. Not every session. Some are busier than others. Typically the longest you will have to wait for a table is one match.
Q. Why aren’t you open more than twice a week?
A. Unfortunately, we do not own the Decatur Recreation Center and have to share it with other Decatur Parks and Recreation programs and events that share the gymnasium.
Q. It’s my first time going to a table tennis club, how should I dress?
A. Like you are going to work out. Table tennis is a real sport like any other. Be prepared to move around and sweat.
Q. Anything else should I know?
A. Every club has a few unspoken rules:
- Please don’t walk or stand near tables where games are being played. No one wants to catch a racket or elbow to the face.
- If you’re waiting for your turn on a table, wait in the stands or stand/sit along the grey padded walls if you must.
- During Basketball season (November-March) our Thursday nights are relocated to the multi-purpose room across the hall. Sundays are unaffected.
- Do not sit or stand on the tables.
- Do not place food or drink bottles on the tables.
- Be respectful of all players no matter their skill level, age or background.
- Whether you win or lose, shake hands/fist bump and/or politely thank your opponent after each game.
- If you show up at opening, please help set up tables and barriers.
- If you stay until closing, please help put away the tables and barriers.
- If you have never moved a table before and don’t know how please ask an experienced club member for assistance. The tables are very heavy and can be dangerous if dropped or put away incorrectly.
- If you borrow a loaner paddle, please put it back in the blue storage bin tower when you are done.
- Don’t be afraid to play a more skilled opponent. That is the only way to get better.
- If you need help or can’t figure out a technique, ask for advice. Most players are more than glad to help.