<P> A basic table tennis racket (has notions of being called a "paddle" or "bat") is used by table tennis players . The table tennis racket is usually made from laminated wood covered with rubber on one or two sides depending on the player's grip . Unlike a conventional "racket", it does not include strings strung across an open frame . The USA generally uses the term "paddle" while Europeans and Asians use the term "bat" and the official ITTF term is "racket". </P> <P> Table tennis regulations approved by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) allow different surfaces on each side of the paddle for various amounts of spin (including nullifying it) or speed . For example, a player may have a spin - heavy rubber on one side of his paddle, and no spin on the other side . The player can flip the racket in play for different types of returns . To help a player distinguish between different types of rubber used by his opponent, regulations specify that one side of a paddle must be red while the other must be black, allowing a player to see what side of a paddle hits the ball mid-play . The player has the right to inspect his opponent's racquet before a match to see the type and color . Current rules state that, unless damaged in play, the paddle cannot be exchanged for another at any time during a match . </P> <P> The rubber coating may be of pimpled rubber, with the pimples outward, or it may be composed of a sponge layer, covered by rubber that may have the pimples pointed inwards or outwards . Some paddles are not covered with rubber ("naked") to make it spin resistant . However, it is illegal to use these types of racquet in competition as they are not approved by the ITTF . Some types of rubbers are also not approved . Approved rubbers have the ITTF emblem on the base of the rubber . </P>

Why do ping pong paddles have two different sides