Frequently Asked Questions

• How are racquets and balls managed?
  

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• There are a few different options for managing equipment at your POPP table - with the end goal for public POPP tables being ‘BYO’ equipment (similar to how a local basketball court or skatepark is used by a community). 
  
  To fast-track your table to BYO, we have developed the Play Daily Activation Programme for all table customers. Play Daily guarantees the best outcome for every POPP customer by encouraging and enabling daily table tennis - and this includes several initiatives around managing equipment and building awareness about the BYO nature of the table.
• Can I order racquets and balls through POPP?
  

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• All POPP tables come with a starter pack of racquets and balls so you are ready to play when your table arrives.
  Need a re-stock of equipment? Weatherproof racquets and SPINpro balls are available for purchase from the POPP shop. These can then be stored in the fixed equipment holders on every table. 
• ICON outdoor table tennis tables are fabricated from approximately 350kg / 690lbs of high grade steel before undergoing a comprehensive, industrial-standard powder coat surface treatment. The ICON tables are fabricated in Perth, Western Australia for our Australian and international customers - and Los Angeles, California for our North American customers. Find out more about the ICON outdoor table tennis table here.
• HEROair outdoor table tennis tables are fabricated from approximately 210kg / 460lbs of marine grade aluminium before undergoing a comprehensive, industrial-standard powder coat surface treatment. The HEROair tables are fabricated utilising industrial robot welding and are available to our customers worldwide. The tables ship from Perth, Western Australia for our Australian and international customers - and Los Angeles, California for our North American customers. Find out more about the HEROair outdoor table tennis table here. 
• The ICON is fabricated in Perth, Western Australia for our Australian and international customers, and Los Angeles, California for our North America customers. Utilising high grade steel and undergoing a comprehensive surface and powder coat treatment, the ICON table weighs approximately 350kg / 690lbs and is welded and secured fastened. It includes secure anchoring footings, equipment (racquet and ball) holder and fixed net as standard. The ICON is delivered partially-assembled and packed in a protective wooden crate. Assembly is completed by the customer in approximately 1 hour. Find out more about the ICON outdoor table tennis table here.
• HERO and HEROall outdoor table tennis tables
• For Australian customers only, the HERO and HEROall outdoor table tennis tables are fabricated in Perth, Western Australia from high grade steel and undergo a comprehensive surface and paint treatment. The fully welded, one-piece tables weigh approximately 700kg - and include 4 secure anchoring footings, equipment (racquet and ball) holder and fixed net as standard. Find out more about the HERO outdoor table tennis table here, and the HEROall table here.
• HEROair outdoor table tennis tableThe HEROair is fabricated
  
• The HEROair is fabricated frutilising industrial robot welding before undergoing a comprehensive surface and powder coat treatment - a light sand textured matte yellow that is contrasted with satin black stainless steel fasteners.  The table is flat-packed and weighs approximately 210kg / 460lbs - and includes 4 secure anchoring footings, table tennis ball holder and fixed net as standard. Find out more about the HEROair outdoor table tennis
• For Australian customers only, the HERO and HEROall outdoor table tennis tables are fabricated in Perth, Western Australia from high grade steel and undergo a comprehensive surface and paint treatment. The fully welded, one-piece tables weigh approximately 700kg - and include 4 secure anchoring footings, equipment (racquet and ball) holder and fixed net as standard. Find out more about the HERO outdoor table tennis table here, and the HEROall table here.
  
  
• For Australian customers only, the HERO and HEROall outdoor table tennis tables are fabricated in Perth, Western Australia from high grade steel and undergo a comprehensive surface and paint treatment. The fully welded, one-piece tables weigh approximately 700kg - and include 4 secure anchoring footings, equipment (racquet and ball) holder and fixed net as standard. Find out more about the HERO outdoor table tennis table here, and the HEROall table here. 
  
• Where can I see a POPP table in person?
  

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• Check out our table locations here or search for “outdoor ping pong table by POPP” in Google Maps to find a table near you.
  
  
• What is the cost of delivery / shipping? 
  

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• The cost of delivery is quoted on a case by case basis and depends on the POPP table model, the quantity of tables, and the location of and access to the final table location. The HERO and ICON tables are made in Australia and are shipped from POPP in Western Australia. Stock is available locally in Australia and US for our HEROair product which is delivered flat-packed for simple assembly.
  
  Please contact us at [email protected] for a delivery quote to your location.
  


ICON

• How is the ICON outdoor table tennis table delivered?
  

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• The ICON outdoor table tennis table is delivered kerbside to site packed in a protective wooden crate via a tail-lift truck only. Transferring individual parts to the final table location may be required by the customer. POPP does not undertake the assembly or anchoring of tables however assembly guidelines and anchoring instructions are provided in the General Information document.
  
  Download a copy of the ICON’s General Information document here..
  
  
• Please contact [email protected] to find out more about Play Daily.
  
  
• What is the lead time for delivery?
  

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• The ICON is made ‘locally’ in both Perth, Western Australia and Los Angeles, California. There is an approximate 8 week lead time for delivery.
  
  
• Does the ICON outdoor table tennis table require assembly?
  

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• Yes - the ICON is delivered as 4x base quadrants, 2x table top halves and 1x net. Assembly and anchoring is completed by the customer and guidelines are provided.
  
  
• Can the ICON outdoor table tennis table be moved?
  

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• The ICON can be moved (technically) but being 350kg / 690lbs with secure anchoring footings, it is designed for a permanent home.
  
  
• Across the world, POPP tables are found in parks, public open spaces, foreshores, coastlines, plazas, retail and commercial precincts, CBDs, rooftops, hospitality venues, schools, campuses, student housing, new developments, correcitional facilities and health and aged care facilities. 
• Of course, each place has different and unique features - or ‘place dynamics’, which means no two parks are the same. Since 2010 and from the experience and knowledge we have gained from over 1500 community placements, we have developed Made for Play - a place scorecard that helps customers identify and select places that have inherent features or place dynamics that will optimise your POPP table.
• To find out more about Made for Play email [email protected]
  
• What happens to racquets and balls?
  

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• There is a welded and discreet equipment holder on the ICON outdoor table tennis table. This is a perfect spot for your racquets and balls.
  
  
• What is the ideal place for a POPP table?
  

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  POPP outdoor table tennis tables are designed for anywhere and everywhere, but mostly outdoors. Across the world, POPP tables are found in parks, public open spaces, plazas, retail and commercial precincts, hospitality venues, schools, campuses, student housing, new developments, correcitional facilities and health and aged care facilities.
  
  
• Why are the Australian and International colours different to the North America colours?
  

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• The ICON is made ‘locally’ in both Perth, Western Australia and Los Angeles, California. At each production facility we use exterior, UV rated powder coat treatments however only certain colours that meet the POPP standards are available and offered.
  
  


HERO

• How is the HERO outdoor table tennis table made?
  

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• The HERO outdoor table tennis table is fabricated from approximately 700kg of high grade steel before undergoing a comprehensive, industrial-standard paint-based surface treatment. The HERO table is fabricated in Perth, Western Australia for our Australian customers only.  Find out more about the HERO outdoor table tennis table here.
  
  
• Does the HERO require assembly?
  

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• No - it is a fully-welded, 700kg steel outdoor table tennis table.
  
  
• Can it be moved?
  

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• It can but being 700kg with secure anchoring footings, it is designed for a permanent home.

  
   
• How is it delivered?
  

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• The HERO outdoor table tennis table is delivered to site as a fully-welded, one-piece unit typically via a HIAB (truck with hydraulic crane arm). Where truck access to the final site location is not possible, POPP will prepare an alternative delivery plan that may include a pallet trolley, forklift or - in very rare circumstances - a crane, to position the table. POPP does not undertake the anchoring of tables however anchoring instructions are provided in the General Information document.
  
  If you have questions or concerns about your location or truck access, email us at [email protected].
  
• What about bats and balls?
  

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• There is a welded equipment holder to keep them out of the weather and at the ready for the next spontaneous game of table tennis!
  
  
• Is the HERO table available in North America?
  

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• No - however the HEROair outdoor table tennis table is. We designed and made the HEROair as the next generation HERO table - you can read more about the HEROair here.

  
  


PLACE CONSIDERATIONS

• Can you move POPP tables?
  

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• Unlike concrete tables, POPP tables can be moved and relocated if landscaping, development or other applications require it. However please keep in mind that POPP tables are not designed as temporary tables or to be relocated regularly. 
  
  Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.
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• What can tables be installed on?
  

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• POPP tables can be installed on new or existing surfaces. The general rule is that the surface must be flat, level and hard-formed - and capable of securely and safely holding a 350kg ICON or 700kg HERO table. New or existing surfaces may include paving, concrete, asphalt, crushed granite, crushed limestone, compacted material, soft-fall or recycled rubber surfaces. We do recommend that POPP tables be anchored - please refer to the General Information document for more information on anchoring and the suitability of your surface. For further information regarding recommended installation and anchoring: -    Download a copy of each table’s General Information document here. -    Read our article on playing area dimensions, playing surfaces, surroundings, wind and soft barriers HERE.

  
  
• What is the ideal place for a POPP table?
  

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• POPP outdoor table tennis tables are designed for anywhere and everywhere, but mostly outdoors.
  
• What are the dimensions of a POPP table?
  

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• All POPP tables conform to the International Table Tennis Federation specifications: 2740 x 1525 x 760mm h.
  
  For urban placements, we recommend minimum and optimum playing areas.
  
  For further information regarding recommended playing areas:
  
  -    Download a copy of each table’s General Information document here.
  -    Read our article on playing area dimensions, playing surfaces, surroundings, wind and soft barriers HERE.
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• What about wind?!
  

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• Fun fact: Did you know POPP was founded in Perth, Western Australia - one of the windiest cities in the world!? This has given us plenty of time (and wind-affected rallies) to develop a system of best practices for locating, positioning, orientating - and playing on - POPP tables to guarantee the best outcome for your space.
  
  To start with, when it’s really windy - nobody is even playing basketball - let alone tennis, volleyball or table tennis. But in calm, light and even moderate winds, outdoor table tennis can be played and remains incredibly fun.
  
  Although a table tennis ball is light, the short distance across a table, and the hard-hitting of the ball means the game isn’t as affected by the wind as people may think. Like Roland-Garros at the French Open, winds swirl and players on both ends of the court need to adapt and respond. It is the same for outdoor table tennis… except without the clay.
  
  On top of that, there are special ‘outdoor’ table tennis balls (which are slightly heavier than normal table tennis balls) and even golf practice or ‘whiffle’ balls (which are heavier and have holes that allow the wind to pass through) that can be used in conditions with stronger winds.
  
  Check out our range of equipment, including outdoor-rated ping pong balls here.
  
  Customers can also be strategic about where to position and how to orientate a POPP table at their location. We are happy to provide tailored advice and guidance but a good rule of thumb is to consider prevailing winds and the opportunities of wind protection utilising natural (trees and plants) and existing (buildings and walls) wind barriers.
  
  For advice about your planned location, please contact us at [email protected]
  


DIY ARTWORK

• Can we apply artwork to a POPP table?
  

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• Yes! POPP tables are designed as a blank canvas for Public Playable Art. Whether it’s public, community, student or customer-led artwork, ‘do it yourself’ (DIY) Artwork can create a broad range of benefits and opportunities for your table. Utilising our DIY Artwork Guidelines (which includes artist briefs, templates, recommended products and paint types, and artwork application checklists), customers can create, develop and apply artwork on their table and transform their space into something completely unique! Download our DIY Artwork Guidelines here.

  
  
• Can we apply adhesive vinyl decals to a POPP table?
  

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• In short, no. Although we have customers who have applied adhesive vinyl decals for company logos, school emblems and mottos to POPP tables, we are aware that different adhesive vinyl decals react differently to weather and the elements (including delamination and discolouration), and their adhesive may also affect the protective paint system on your POPP table. For these reasons, we do not recommend them on POPP tables. If you would like to apply a ‘digital’ look artwork, logo, emblem or typography to your table, local signwriters or sign shops can use low-tack adhesive vinyl stencils to apply them with high quality finish. If you would like to learn more about this, please contact us at [email protected]

  
  


THE GAME

• What’s the difference between ‘table tennis’ and ‘ping pong’?
  

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• Nothing! They are just two different ways to name the sport (or game). Consider table tennis the official name for the Olympic sport, and ping pong the colloquial name or the social game. At POPP - we say and use both, so freely use whatever works for you.

  
  
• We are applying for a grant or seeking funding for a POPP table, can you help?

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• Play Daily is a place activation programme that encourages, enables and supports daily table tennis in your community. Play Daily is a simple, instructional and repeatable guide for customers and community partners to adopt. Using an evidence-based approach, Play Daily hones in on outcomes-based activities, experiences, initiatives and experiences over a two year period to guarantee the best outcome for your space. Delivering a successful Play Daily activation programme will result in sustained activation and engagement through: -    A community-known table tennis table; -    Community-knowledge about BYO equipment; -    A fun-first and friendly environment that centres on a ‘pick up and play’ spontaneity;‘ -    Table locals’ that regularly meet, connect and play together at the table - both casually and competitively. To find out more, contact us at [email protected].

  
  
• What are the rules of Table Tennis?

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• Service (who serves) changes every two points. In doubles, one player serves both serves from their right court to the receiver’s right court (diagonally). And for each serve they face a different receiver (the receivers swap places after each serve). If the game is tied 10-10, service changes at every point until a game is won by two points. To serve, toss the ball straight and hit it on the way down. The ball must bounce on your side of the table and then the other side. Once the ball leaves the server’s hand it is in play (so if you miss it on the way down, the point is lost!). The serve can land anywhere on the other side… except in doubles, where it must land in the diagonal half (right court to right court). Landing on the line is fair play. Games are played to 11 points. A game must be won by two points for example - 11-9. If the game is tied 10-10, service changes every point until a game is won by two points. In doubles - partners swap places on their side of the table - after their team serves twice. Every player has to serve and receive equally in doubles! A serve that hits the net on the way over is called a ‘let’. If it lands in, no point is won but the server gets another serve; if it lands out, the point is lost. FYI - the ball can hit the net during a rally - so keep playing! In doubles - alternate (change) hitting in a rally. So, if you hit the first ball, your partner must hit the next ball - and so on. Get ready! Volleys are not allowed. Players must wait for the ball to bounce on your side before hitting the ball. But we also believe that ‘a quick game’s a good game’ too! So if you’re short for time, or if there are other players waiting, try this: First to 3 points - 1 serve each - winner stays on! For more information you can also check out: Rules (via tabletennis.org) Official Rules and Regulations (via Olympics.com)