When I first saw a paddle in black and red on its two sides, I didn’t notice at all. I thought it is normal in the sport. And I wasn’t informed about the history of these colors.
But when I see that every racket is in black and red on both sides. Then the query came into my head why are ping pong rackets black and red?
And I surprisingly found that ITTF mandated a ruble that every racket has to be different in color. Black on one side and red on another. You can not find such a sport as ping pong that has ruled for color.
Today we will discuss why are ping pong rackets black and red.
Why are Ping Pong Rackets Black and Red?
A rule is ruled when people take advantage of not being ruled. In the same way, ping pong had no rule for color before.
In 1970-1980, people are allowed to use any color they want on the two sides of a racket. Some players took advantage of this and they started using the same color on both sides with different rubbers.
The consequence is, the player couldn’t understand which side the opponent was using of the racket to hit the ball. So, the players got confused.
In 1986. ITTF noticed this issue and adopted a rule that the ping pong rackets have to be black and red on both sides.
Why Do All Table Tennis Bats have Only Two Colored Rubber Pads?
Though there are only two colors being used in table tennis bat, you are not bound to use black for the forehead and red for the backend.
Most of the manufacturers use black for the forehead and red for the backhand. That’s why we see only the two colors in most of the table tennis bat.
You can use four more colors like blue, green, pink, and purple on the backend instead of red but black should remain the same on the forehead.
Is There any Difference Between Red and Black Table Tennis Rubbers?
The black and red table tennis rubbers are slightly different and they perform differently as well.
Red rubber is a little harder, thicker, and faster. Red rubber delivers the ball faster and less spin.
On the other hand, black rubber is tackier, softer, and longer last. Black rubber gives the ball more spin.
Let’s see what kinds of rubber are used to perform differently in red and black.
There are two types of rubber on a racket surface. The first one is the inverted rubber which is used on the forehead with red color and the second one is the pimple rubber is used on the backend with black color.
1. Inverted Rubber
Inverted rubber is known as “Reserve Rubber” or “Smooth Rubber”. This rubber is used for the forehead. This rubber delivers the ball so fast but, hardly creates spin.
It is made for attacking purposes and receiving serves. Most of the players use this rubber on the backend with a red surface.
2. Pimple Rubber
You will find three types of pimple rubber in the market. Long pimple rubber, middle pimple rubber, and short pimple rubber.
All these rubbers are used to block the ball. the pimple rubbers can manipulate the spin. They deliver the ball slowly. But they can generate spin while returning a ball. The pimple rubbers are used for the forehead as a surface.
How is The Red Side Different from The Black Side in a Table Tennis Racket?
Red and black rubbers in table tennis bat have their own characteristics. They deliver the ball differently in shot.
Red Rubber: Reb rubber is used for the backend. It is thick and faster. When a player thinks to attack he will use the backend.
Black Rubber: Black rubber is more lasts longer and tackier and used for the forehead. It creates spin. It is used for blocking the ball.
Which Side of The Rubber is Best for The Forehead in Table Tennis, Red or Black?
Most of the players in table tennis use black rubber for the forehead. Sometimes red is also be seen in some player’s bat as the forehead.
But I would say black is the best for the forehead in table tennis. I will use the black rubber if I have the option.
Final verdict
Colors can not make a difference in a racket. You can choose a racket which forehead in red or black as well as backhand. But it should be only black and red on the two sides of the racket.