🏓 Blender Tutorial: How to Make a 3D Table Tennis Paddle (Beginner Guide)If you’re looking for an easy Blender tutorial for beginners, this guide will show you how to create a 3D table tennis paddle

🏓 Learn how to design a low-poly yet realistic table tennis paddle using Blender’s modeling and shading tools

If you’re looking for an easy Blender tutorial for beginners, this guide will show you how to create a 3D table tennis paddle step by step. The best part is that you don’t need a high-end computer to follow along. Even a basic laptop with an Intel i3 processor, 4GB RAM, and a 125GB SSD can handle this project. By the end, you’ll have a realistic paddle with a wooden handle and rubber surfaces, ready for rendering or use in a game.

Step 1: Install and Open Blender

Start by downloading and installing Blender from the official website. Once installed, open the software. You’ll see a splash screen—click anywhere to close it. In the workspace, Blender begins with a default cube in the center. Since we don’t need it, select the cube and press X → Delete to clear your scene. Now the workspace is ready for modeling.

Step 2: Create the Paddle Handle

The handle is the base of the paddle. Add one by pressing Shift + A → Mesh → Cylinder. A cylinder will appear at the center of the grid. Scale it down and stretch it until it looks like a simple wooden handle. This forms the foundation of your paddle.

Step 3: Model the Paddle Head

Next, you’ll make the circular hitting surface. Again, add a cylinder (Shift + A → Mesh → Cylinder) and move it above the handle. Scale its depth so that it becomes a flat disc. This disc will serve as the paddle head where the rubber textures will be applied.

Step 4: UV Unwrapping for Textures

Before applying materials, you need to unwrap the mesh so Blender knows how to map 2D textures onto your 3D paddle. Switch to Edit Mode by pressing Tab, select the paddle mesh, and press U → Unwrap. This step allows you to assign different textures to the handle and the paddle faces.

Step 5: Apply Materials and Textures

Go to the Shading tab to create materials. For the handle, add a wood texture so it resembles real wood. For the paddle faces, apply a rubber material—make one side red and the other black, which is the standard look of a real table tennis paddle. Adjust the roughness and color values to make it appear more realistic.

Step 6: Add a Grip (Optional)

To make your 3D paddle model more authentic, you can add a comfortable rubber like grip to the handle. In Edit Mode, insert a loop cut with Ctrl + R and scale it slightly to create a subtle curve. Assign a darker material, such as black or gray, to simulate grip tape or foam. While optional, this step adds more realism to your Blender project.

Step 7: Lighting and Rendering

Good lighting makes a huge difference in any Blender render. Add an Area Light (Shift + A → Light → Area Light) and place it above the paddle so it casts natural highlights and shadows. Once you’re satisfied with the setup, press F12 to render the scene. To save your final image, go to Image → Save As.

🎉 Final Result

Congratulations! You’ve just completed a Blender modeling tutorial and created a 3D table tennis paddle from scratch. This project introduces you to the basics of modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing, and rendering—all essential Blender skills. Plus, the final paddle model is light enough for low-spec laptops while still looking polished and professional.

Whether you want to practice Blender basics, create assets for a 3D game, or just experiment with texturing, this paddle is a great beginner project.