

Becoming a ping-pong wizard
I adjust the sweatband nestled above my brow, catch my breath and bounce back and forth nimbly on my toes awaiting my opponent's serve. I take my right arm back into a vicious forehand as I return the serve with mighty authority. A rally ensues in time to a killer soundtrack spun by a DJ.
My opponent hits me with a dizzying return, so I pivot to reply with a backhand.
"Fore!!!!"
Can you yell that indoors?
Is it appropriate for table tennis?
Giggles, smiles and joy layer on top of my relief that - thank goodness, no one was injured by a 2.7 gram, 40 mm, gas filled, celluloid, ricocheting round ball zinged at them unintentionally by an overenthusiastic, uncharacteristically competitive virgin of the sport.
Transformed by fun and the retro turquoise sweatband/matching wristband combo I was proudly rocking, I became a ping-pong wizard (calm down Who fans, I know Tommy played pinball, not ping-pong - so relax before you "talkback") overtaken by table tennis fever at Milwaukee's own ping-pong club, SPiN Milwaukee.
Intrigued by the fact that the franchise was created in part by Susan Sarandon and designed by MTV's House of Style host Todd Oldham, I had to check out this addition to Miltown nightlife. I mean, Janet from "Rocky Horror" clearly knows how to have a good time and MTV in the '90s still played music videos. Ahhhhh, memories.
I had no idea that I, like the entire Chinese population, would be consumed by the sport of table tennis. Maybe it's the rhythmic sound of the paddle hitting the ball then the ball ricocheting off the table that has mesmerized me into a wiff-waff maniac, (The sport originated in Britain under the terrific name of wiff-waff. I urge you to check out ping-pong history here.)
I ventured into SPiN expecting a normal evening out, but left consumed with purchasing a table of my own, wanting to do a "training session" with one of SPiN's ping-pong pros and with a sense of exuberance I haven't felt in a really long time.
Plus – imagine this fitness fiend's delight when an evening out turned into a workout session. Oh yeah, the calorie burn from ping-pong can be upwards of 173 calories an hour, which means you can sample SPiN's great menu with a little less guilt.
SPiN even has a locker room for you to freshen up in before enjoying a cold one at their bar.
Memberships are available for pongthusiasts wanting to make regular appearances at my new personal "happiest place on earth."
No athletic ability is required. Just a desire to let go and laugh.
Strap on your sweatband, lose the self-conscious attitude, grab a paddle and be sure to yell "FORE!" when the ball goes rogue.
Talkbacks
beefsupreme | Feb. 16, 2012 at 10:57 a.m. (report)
ping pong is an awesome bar game. Spin is great. i think more bars should consider buying a table or two.
| Rate this: |
osculant | Sept. 16, 2011 at 12:01 p.m. (report)
I love ping-pong. I am lucky enough to have one at work that we play at lunch. And I LOVE the idea of a ping-pong bar.
HOWEVER...
This place is a total rip-off! I don't care if they have the nicest balls paddles and tables (and I don't know that they do), they charge $24 an hour! Unless of course you come before 6pm, then its still $16! Of course, you can get a membership for $324 and pay $12 an hour. These prices are insane. Its more expensive than Billiards, Darts, Ice Skating, Bowling, Batting Cages, Mini-golf, Go-Karts, Brewers games, Admirals games, Laser Tag...hell, per hour its 6 times more expensive than a day at Six Flags!!!
I know people who have gone there in large groups (10+) and they were buying plenty of drinks and food ($$) and the place was way under capacity, and when their hour was up, they were promptly kicked off the table and not even allowed to finish their game.
Even Milwaukee prostitutes don't rush you that much.
For the price of a yearly membership and a few games a year you could go out and buy a table, paddles, and balls and still save on money.
Also, "2.7gram, 40mm, gas filled, celluloid, ricocheting round ball" straight from their website. I hope they at least bought you dinner...
| Rate this: |
sandstorm | Sept. 12, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. (report)
saw your spouse backing up Alice Cooper on Leno.
looked like he was having a blast.
| Rate this: |
Victor Golf | Sept. 12, 2011 at 1:57 p.m. (report)
Nice advertisement complete with staged photos. I hope SOMEONE got paid for this.
| Rate this: |
jacob.allen83 | Sept. 12, 2011 at 12:25 p.m. (report)
Hello! My name's Jacob, I am one of the bartenders and a part of the Street Team Promotions for SPiN Milwaukee. I'm very happy to hear you had so much fun, and please do keep us on your list of things to do. Just so you know, we have fantastic food also. On Mondays, we have half-off burgers, sandwiches, and apps until 6pm. Also gets you a free half-hour of pong too. Happy hour starts at 4pm with some $2 pints of Sprecher taps! Hope to see you down there again sometime soon, and thank you very much for the feedback on your first time. Have a great day!
| Rate this: |
Show me the other Talkback
![]() |
6 comments about this article. Post your comment/review now |
Facebook comments
Disclaimer: Please note that Facebook comments are posted through Facebook and cannot be approved, edited or declined by OnMilwaukee.com. The opinions expressed in Facebook comments do not necessarily reflect those of OnMilwaukee.com or its staff.
Recent Articles & Blogs by Lindsay Garric
Let's split it
Published May 14, 2013
There's been a lot of travel in our family since March, which means the fridge is more of a barren cavern than stocked with it's usual bounty of healthy fare. So, by default and out of admitted laziness, we've been enjoying more meals "out," than are typical for us. So, how are we avoiding the major ouch in our pocketbook and around our waistlines? Well, we're splitting entrees.
Get naked at the Korean spa
Published April 29, 2013
I took part in a beauty ritual of the Korean Day Space in Oahu before a red-eye home. The experience not only beautified my outside, but did something powerful to my self-awareness and self-esteem, too. And did I mention I was completely naked the entire time?
Hop on board the pineapple express
Published April 15, 2013
Current trends in nutrition preach the benefits of eating a seasonal diet in accordance with where you live. Eating papaya in February in Wisconsin doesn't exactly jibe with this. But, sometimes cravings win out. In complete rebellion against seasonal or local eating, I have been indulging in some major pineapple action.
Hearing vs. seeing...on Facebook
Published March 29, 2013
We don't "hear" about anything anymore. We "see" it all...on Facebook. Is there still such a thing as a "catch-up" between old friends? Is there any mystery left?
I'm a Google (or, at least, I was)
Published March 13, 2013
Lindsay was a devoted Google user. But a nasty case of texting thumb lured her to the world of Apple and its one-fingered touchscreen and often infuriating loopholes.
15 wardrobe essentials to prevent fashion disaster
Published Feb. 28, 2013
My wardrobe is overwhelming me. Too many choices inevitably leads to a fashion disaster. So I queried some of Milwaukee's most influential style mavens for their advice. If they could only have 15 pieces in their entire wardrobe, what would it come down to?
Barter your way to a better life
Published Feb. 4, 2013
If you want it or need it, God knows it's gotta be on Craigslist. I think of it as another way to save money, to consume less, to recycle and reuse. For all of that and a feeling of camaraderie with my fellow penny pincher, the shining star of the 'List is the "Barter" area.
Surf's up
Published Jan. 12, 2013
Surfing has invaded our life in and out of the sea, it's our new addiction and I hope if you have the opportunity, you'll give it a try too. And even if you can't get in the water, try to surf your way through life.
Makeup tips for the perfect smoky-eyed holiday look
Published Dec. 18, 2012
'Tis still the season for non-stop parties, photo ops and public appearances, so add some holiday sparkle to your makeup routine! Follow these steps for a long-lasting, sexy look that you can achieve on your own with the right products and tools.
When OPO attacks
Published Dec. 11, 2012
The effect of other people's opinions (OPO) can be extremely powerful. Input from a collective group can be helpful, valuable and quite constructive. On the flipside, there are times when unsolicited OPO makes its way into your life.
Like Us
Follow Us















