I'll be discussing both sets of myths in this article, starting with the general public's misconceptions about the sport of ping-pong.
Top General Public Myths About Table Tennis/Ping-Pong
Ping-Pong is a Game, Not a SportThis is probably the most common myth about table tennis held by the general public. The reason this myth is so popular is that it is easy to have fun at ping-pong straight away. Two absolute beginners with reasonable coordination can start enjoying rallies straight away.
Unfortunately, this level of play is what most of the general public think is the whole sport of table tennis. Until they see top players live and close up, it is impossible to really appreciate what can be done with a table tennis ball! Contrast this to a sport like tennis, where a number of hours of practice are required in order to have a decent rally with a fellow beginner. Because new tennis players have to work harder to get started, they tend to have more appreciation of the skills of tennis professionals.
Table Tennis Players are Unathletic
This myth ties in with the perception that table tennis is really a game, rather than a sport. It is also encouraged because most ping-pong promoters like to highlight how almost anyone can play and compete at table tennis. While this is true to an extent, it also ignores the fact that at higher levels, you need a lot of skill and tactics to compensate for any physical deficiencies.
Believe me on this one, at the higher levels of the sport, almost every player is very fit. Those who aren't usually have some other edge, such as experience or tactics, which allows them to keep up with their more athletic competitors.
You Need Fast Reflexes to Play Good Table Tennis
This myth is from the other end of the spectrum. People who believe this myth tend to view ping-pong as a sport where players are hitting the ball so fast that there is no time to think, so fast reflexes are the most important aspect.
While quick reflexes certainly don't hurt, you can still play very good table tennis with less than superhuman reactions. A smart player can place the ball in positions that his opponent can't hit with full power, or make his opponent more likely to hit in certain directions. Quick reflexes alone won't get the job done.
Ping-Pong is a Participation Sport, Not a Spectator Sport
People who have watched low level players push the ball gently back and forth generally hold this view. In my own opinion, watching top players face off is one of the most exciting things you'll ever see. The sheer athleticism and power of elite players viewed from close up is mesmerizing stuff!
Ping-Pong is the Game, Table Tennis is the Sport
This myth has become popular because a number of experienced players are quick to tell everyone that they play the sport of table tennis, rather than the game of ping-pong. But in actual fact, both table tennis and ping-pong were common names in the early days of the sport.
So although calling the sport ping-pong can make some experienced players grit their teeth, in actual fact both names are pretty much correct. It is just that in common usage ping-pong has become well known for the version played in basements around the world, while table tennis is better known as the serious sport. So use whichever one you like!