The invention relates to a method for producing powdery plastic particles having as spherical a structure as possible, wherein a starting product (30) made of plastic, in particular a viscous to solid starting product (30), is brought into contact with a smooth surface (24) of a body (20), which is moved at a speed v of at least 5 m/s relative to the starting product (30). In the contact area (34) between the starting product (30) and the body (20), the starting product (30) is heated locally, and is flung in powdery form out of the contact area in the direction of movement of the body (20).