FAQ: CT3

Is it "ping pong" or "table tennis"?

Both. Technically, they are slightly different sports with slightly different rules and (sometimes) slightly different equipment. But most everyone recognizes ping pong and table tennis to fundamentally be the same game.

Ping pong is the somewhat less formal game that many people grow up playing in garages, basements, offices, restaurants, camps, etc. Table Tennis is an internationally sanctioned and rules-goverened sport. At CT3, we play either game for fun, but when we're competing (matches, leagues, tournaments), we play by the official rules of the sport of Table Tennis.
What is the new club called?

Central Texas Table Tennis (aka, CT3)
Where is the club located?

We play at SoccerZone (Google Maps) on Menchaca Rd, in South Austin.
What is the club schedule?

Check the posted schedule to see when we're open for play.
The club only meets two nights per week, on a basketball court at a soccer club. What gives?

We have big hopes and plans for CT3 to grow and expand. We look forward to adding more days, extending our open hours, and eventually moving to a permanent, dedicated facility.

Thank you for your patience while we launch and grow CT3.
How much does it cost to play at CT3?

There are a couple of options available:
- Walk-in Play Session ($8)
- Monthly Membership-Lite, includes 4 play sessions per month ($30)
(these flat-rate amounts include 8.25% sales tax)

Note: Membership play sessions do not roll-over. However, purchased walk-in sessions remain active in an account for up to 12 months after purchase.

For more information about these policies, see Terms of Service.
Do you offer any discounts for youth, seniors, or military members?

Yes! We're happy to welcome players from these groups. We offer a 15% discount on walk-in sessions and memberships (not lessons).

For youth players, we strongly recommend a parent/adult register for an account, then add the youth player to that account. It is not necessary that the parent/adult be an active player.

Let us know after you register so we can add the appropriate discount to your account. Discounts cannot be applied retroactively, so please do so before making any purchases.
Can I take lessons? How much do they cost?

Yep! We have coaches who are quite experienced in teaching people of all levels, from first time up to highly competitive skills.

Private lessons are 1 hour long, but we do offer free intro lessons of 15 minutes in length for all new players, to help you decide if coaching is right for you.

If you have an active monthly membership, the cost of a 1-hr lesson is discounted to $70, for up to 4 lessons per membership per month. Other than that, the standard price for a 1-hr lesson is $85.
Why did prices increase so much from the old club?

Firstly, walk-in play sessions and the monthly Membership-Lite are both cheaper than the equivalents in the prior club.

Lessons have increased in price by a substantial amount.

The previous club never raised its prices for over 7 years, which meant that our coaches were being underpaid compared to their counterparts at other clubs for many years. This jump in cost is unfortunately so pronounced because it's happening all at once rather than slowly over the last several years.

We love our coaches, and (though we're biased!) we believe they're some of the best in all of Texas. As such, we think they're worth the increased cost, and we hope you do, too! The club passes most of the cost of a lesson on directly to the coaches.

We further commit to not raising prices on lessons for at least the next couple of years. We appreciate your understanding as we make sure our coaches are paid fairly for the amazing training they provide at our club.
Who owns/runs this new club?

Kyle Simpson
info - at - playct3 - dot - com
PO Box 151360
Austin, TX 78715

Several other members will also be involved in the ownership/management of CT3; their names will be announced as appropriate.
What relationship does this club have to "Pong Club South Austin"?

CT3 (Central Texas Table Tennis) is a new club under new management. However, we're the same members and players (and coaches!) who have been playing at Pong Club since its opening over 7 years ago.
I was a member of Pong Club previously, does my information and membership transfer over?

No, this is a brand new club, and no member information automatically transfers over. If you are interested in continuing with the new CT3 club, please register for an account and provide your information.
Do I need to be a professional player to join CT3?

Absolutely not! None of us are considered professional players (paid to play), though we do have a number of players who are semi-competitive in regional and state tournaments. But we have even more members who have no formal training and play only for fun.

All skill levels are welcomed at CT3, from first time picking up a paddle/racket, to seeking serious coaching or preparing for a tournament.
Do I need my own paddle/racket, ping pong balls, etc?

No, we have basic loaner rackets and plenty of spare ping pong balls for anyone to use for recreational play. Come as you are, but definitely dress for having fun playing in a sports arena environment!

That said, we strongly recommend you consider purchasing your own racket after you've joined us. Most members who play more than 3 or 4 times at the club find that they will want to invest in their own racket instead of using the spare equipment we provide.

There are many options available, ranging from $5-10 on the low end (at local retailers like Academy Sports or Walmart) up to $200+ for professionally assembled rackets. Amazon offers a whole bunch of racket choices in the $25-40 range. That's about what we'd recommend for someone who plans to play up to a few times per month.

As you get more serious about playing, perhaps taking lessons, and playing once or more per week consistently, the next suggested range for a nicer, more quality racket would be $50-80. And if/once you start competing in leagues or tournaments, you'll probably want to spend $100 or more for a high quality, professionally assembled and tuned racket. You'll also probably want other equipment such as a racket case to protect it, towels, bags, and racket cleaning supplies.

We have a number of very experienced members and coaches who can help you as you decide on equipment choices. Just ask us for recommendations!

But whatever you do, don't feel the need to spend a bunch of money on a racket before you show up your first time. Just come as you are and we'll help you get into the game comfortably, at a pace that you can enjoy!
Are kids welcome at CT3?

Yes, absolutely! We do ask that an adult (18+) supervise any kids 10 or under, to make sure they are playing in a safe and fun way that respects the club, members, equipment, and facility.
If I use this site, what are the terms and privacy policies that apply?

Please see our Terms of Service and Privacy policies for more information.