How To: Fix a Dented Ping Pong Ball
It seems that every youth group comes with a few things by default: A youth group leader, a group of youth, and a ping pong table. So what happens when you mix these three things together at once? Yep, dented ping pong balls. Whether it was from a Roger Federer-like serve or a “Where did that bal…” *CRUNCH*, dented ping pong balls can just be plain annoying to replace.
There are, however, a few easy tricks to help fix them like new. The easiest and safest way to do so is to put the dented ball into boiling water (see above picture) for about 10-15 seconds, or until the dent pops out. Also, this method allows for multiple ping pong balls to be done simultaneously.
The second trick involves a lighter and someone holding the ball three to four inches away from the flame. But as Wired points out, ping pong balls “are generally made of nitrocellulose, and burn quite vigorously.” So if you’re doing this method, I would suggest to have someone else hold the ball. 
I wouldn’t recommend using this method, but it is a way to fix a dented ping pong ball.
Hope this helps the frustrated youth group worker, and remember to stay safe!
[Wired]
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For some reason this post just cracked me up! I was smiling the whole time, thinking of all the dented ping-pong balls out there who never were restored to their former glory. Great tips for youth ministries!!!
I always find it funny that we keep them for so long until that's all that's left: dented ping pong balls. That is when we finally say, "Ok, I guess it's off the the Dollar Tree"
Never was sure why we held onto them for so long. Now there's reason to!