Table tennis

Ping-Pong 2

Assortment of 40 mm table tennis balls

TT Plastic ball 40+ ITTF V1

Table Tennis Table Blue

ManikaBatra

Competitive table tennis

Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, is a sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table using small rackets. The game takes place on a hard table divided by a net. Except for the initial serve, the rules are generally as follows: players must allow a ball played toward them to bounce once on their side of the table and must return it so that it bounces on the opposite side. Points are scored when a player fails to return the ball within the rules. Play is fast and demands quick reactions. Spinning the ball alters its trajectory and limits an opponent's options, giving the hitter a great advantage.

History

Table tennis has its origins in England during the 19th century, where it was played among the upper-class as an after-dinner parlour game. It has been suggested that makeshift versions of the game were developed by British military officers in India or South Africa who brought it back with them. A row of books stood up along the center of the table as a net, two more books served as rackets, and the ball was made of string or a champagne cork. The game quickly grew in popularity, formalized rules were established, and equipment was standardized. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926.

Equipment

The equipment required for table tennis includes a ball, rackets, and a table with a net.

Ball

The ball is made of a high-bouncing air-filled celluloid or similar plastic material, with a matte finish. The standard size is 40mm in diameter and it weighs 2.7 grams.

Racket

The racket, sometimes called a paddle or bat, is made of wood covered with rubber on one or two sides depending on the player's grip.

Table

The table is 2.74 meters long, 1.525 meters wide, and 76 centimeters high with a net in the middle. The surface is usually dark colored and matte, to contrast with the ball for optimal visibility.

Playing styles

Players have various styles, which dictate the type of shots played. These include offensive styles like looping, defensive styles such as chopping, and all-around play. Player's choice of rubber and racket type also significantly affects their style of play.

Competitions

Table tennis competitions range from local tournaments to the Olympic Games. The sport was introduced to the Olympics in 1988. Matches are played in best of five or seven games, with players scoring points by hitting the ball over the net so that the opponent cannot return it.

Governing bodies

The ITTF is the sport's global governing body and is responsible for the rules of table tennis. National associations, such as the United States Table Tennis Association (USATT) in the United States, govern the sport at the country level.

Popularity

Table tennis is popular worldwide, with millions of players and fans. It is especially popular in Asia, with China dominating international competition.