Q: What is BATTS and how did it start?
A: Bay Area Table Tennis Social Club started out as a small group of table tennis enthusiasts mainly from the Severna Park Area, known as “Severna Pong”. As the group got larger, better tables and equipment were purchased to enhance and improve playing skills. In August of 2018, the group officially became a non-profit social club, and changed the name to Bay Area Table Tennis Social Club. In September of 2018, the group re-located to the Pip Moyer Recreation Center. (PMRC)
Q: Do I need to be a member of the PMRC to join BATTS and play table tennis?
A: No. BATTS has made a special arrangement with the PMRC so that you do not have to be a PMRC member to come in and play table tennis. Once a member of BATTS, you simply check in with front desk and come play! Once inside, all general rules and regulations of the center must be adhered to and none of the other amenities of the center can be used.
Q: Can I bring my kids to play?
A: BATTS members are restricted to men and woman 18 years and older. PMRC offers a staffed “Kids Zone” if parents want to drop off their children while they play. There is a charge for this service, please contact PMRC for more information. For both the safety of the children and consideration of BATTS members, we ask that small children not be brought into the table tennis play area.
Q: Are BATTS players beginners, intermediate, or advanced?
A: All skill levels are welcome to join and play! Many members play on a regular basis and could be classified as intermediate or advanced, while some play less frequently and have more room to grow their skills. When you play your opponent, he or she will get a sense of your skill level and play against you accordingly. While weekly play time can get intense and competitive, we do not hold formal competitions, nor is BATTS part of a league that participate in tournaments. The main purpose is to practice, improve your skills, get a good workout, and have fun!
Q: Are their instructors there that give lessons?
A: Formal lessons are not provided; however experienced players are encouraged to impart tips and suggestions to lesser skilled players for improving skills set. Beginners/novices are encouraged to learn from more experienced players.
Q: If I become a member of BATTS, can I bring my friends to come and play?
A: Absolutely! We want BATTS to grow and welcome members to bring guests to come check it out. The policy is a member may bring a guest and play for free the first time, but after that they must become a member to return.
Q: Do I need to bring my own paddle to play?
A: BATTS has a limited number of communal paddles to use for first time and occasional players. It is highly encouraged to purchase one’s own paddle (more formally known as a racket or bat). There are many options, most BATTS members will be happy to share their thoughts on choosing one to purchase.
Q: What is the format of play during the 2-hour session?
A: Currently, our sessions are singles games, games to 11, best of 3 games (a match). Loser of the match sits until which time they can start up another match with the winner of another team. The goal is to try and play as many different players as possible for the evening. Doubles matches may be played near the end of the session if time and conditions permit.
Q: I’ve been wanting to get some exercise and get in shape, is table tennis a good sport for that?
A: Table tennis, introduced as an Olympic summer games event in 1988, has been around for nearly 140 years. It is especially well suited for individuals who seek low impact, cardio-vascular activity at all age groups - combined with a high-skilled strategic racquet sport. While the physical benefits are immediate, the learned skills are fine, subtle, long lasting and rewarding. Like anything else worth pursuing, with dedication and perseverance, table tennis provides its practitioners opportunity to acquire acute judgment, reflexes, reaction, strategy - unique onto itself and second to none.
A: Bay Area Table Tennis Social Club started out as a small group of table tennis enthusiasts mainly from the Severna Park Area, known as “Severna Pong”. As the group got larger, better tables and equipment were purchased to enhance and improve playing skills. In August of 2018, the group officially became a non-profit social club, and changed the name to Bay Area Table Tennis Social Club. In September of 2018, the group re-located to the Pip Moyer Recreation Center. (PMRC)
Q: Do I need to be a member of the PMRC to join BATTS and play table tennis?
A: No. BATTS has made a special arrangement with the PMRC so that you do not have to be a PMRC member to come in and play table tennis. Once a member of BATTS, you simply check in with front desk and come play! Once inside, all general rules and regulations of the center must be adhered to and none of the other amenities of the center can be used.
Q: Can I bring my kids to play?
A: BATTS members are restricted to men and woman 18 years and older. PMRC offers a staffed “Kids Zone” if parents want to drop off their children while they play. There is a charge for this service, please contact PMRC for more information. For both the safety of the children and consideration of BATTS members, we ask that small children not be brought into the table tennis play area.
Q: Are BATTS players beginners, intermediate, or advanced?
A: All skill levels are welcome to join and play! Many members play on a regular basis and could be classified as intermediate or advanced, while some play less frequently and have more room to grow their skills. When you play your opponent, he or she will get a sense of your skill level and play against you accordingly. While weekly play time can get intense and competitive, we do not hold formal competitions, nor is BATTS part of a league that participate in tournaments. The main purpose is to practice, improve your skills, get a good workout, and have fun!
Q: Are their instructors there that give lessons?
A: Formal lessons are not provided; however experienced players are encouraged to impart tips and suggestions to lesser skilled players for improving skills set. Beginners/novices are encouraged to learn from more experienced players.
Q: If I become a member of BATTS, can I bring my friends to come and play?
A: Absolutely! We want BATTS to grow and welcome members to bring guests to come check it out. The policy is a member may bring a guest and play for free the first time, but after that they must become a member to return.
Q: Do I need to bring my own paddle to play?
A: BATTS has a limited number of communal paddles to use for first time and occasional players. It is highly encouraged to purchase one’s own paddle (more formally known as a racket or bat). There are many options, most BATTS members will be happy to share their thoughts on choosing one to purchase.
Q: What is the format of play during the 2-hour session?
A: Currently, our sessions are singles games, games to 11, best of 3 games (a match). Loser of the match sits until which time they can start up another match with the winner of another team. The goal is to try and play as many different players as possible for the evening. Doubles matches may be played near the end of the session if time and conditions permit.
Q: I’ve been wanting to get some exercise and get in shape, is table tennis a good sport for that?
A: Table tennis, introduced as an Olympic summer games event in 1988, has been around for nearly 140 years. It is especially well suited for individuals who seek low impact, cardio-vascular activity at all age groups - combined with a high-skilled strategic racquet sport. While the physical benefits are immediate, the learned skills are fine, subtle, long lasting and rewarding. Like anything else worth pursuing, with dedication and perseverance, table tennis provides its practitioners opportunity to acquire acute judgment, reflexes, reaction, strategy - unique onto itself and second to none.