Also known as ping-pong, table tennis is a racket sport derived from tennis, but played on a stationary table rather than a court.

In table tennis, two or four players hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a hard table, divided by a net, using small, solid rackets.

Although many people believe that table tennis (ping-pong) originated in China, the game's roots are actually in England, where it was initially a parlor game played by the upper middle class during the late 19th century. Early names for the game have included whiff-whaff and gossima. These early games used various materials for balls, including champagne corks, which were favored for their bounce and aerodynamic properties.

The first table tennis sets appeared in the 1880s, using celluloid balls and improvised paddles. These versions resembled lawn tennis, but were played indoors during inclement weather. The game quickly became popular in England and spread to other countries. The first international championship was held in 1926, the year the International Table Tennis Federation was founded.

The name ping-pong was in wide use before British manufacturer J. Jaques & Son trademarked it in 1901, and that name came to describe the game played using the rather expensive Jaques's equipment, with other manufacturers calling it table tennis.

Although the game did not originate in China, the nation's strong support for the game has led many to view it as synonymous with Chinese sports culture. In the latter part of the 20th century and into the 21st century, Chinese players dominated international competitions, consistently winning gold medals at the Olympics, World Championships, and other major international tournaments.

Since its Olympic debut in 1988, the sport has become a constant part of the Olympic program, with singles and team events for both men and women.

While table tennis has not achieved the popularity as a spectator sport that others have enjoyed, its accessibility has made the game familiar to large numbers of people. Tables can be found in parks, recreation centers, and homes throughout the country. Moreover, its simplicity has allowed beginners to get started quickly, while offering challenges for those who want to master the sport.

Accessibility is one of the most significant advantages of the game. Table tennis doesn't require a massive field, expensive equipment, or a large group of people to enjoy a game. A table, paddles, a ball, and a partner are all you need.

Despite its small size, table tennis offers a fantastic cardiovascular workout. Its fast-paced rallies and constant movement help to enhance agility, coordination, and reflexes.

The game is as much a mental sport as a physical one. Players need to strategize, anticipate their opponent's moves, and adjust to changing game dynamics.

Whether playing a casual game with friends or participating in a local tournament, table tennis is a good way to meet new people and build connections. For those with a competitive spirit, it is easy to find opportunities to test their skills.

Table tennis is like tennis on a smaller scale. The idea is to keep the ball moving back and forth over the net, landing it on your opponent's side of the net without allowing them to hit it back to yours.

The opening to any game of table tennis is the serve. To get the game started, the server must toss the ball at least six inches high and make it visible to the receiver. The server's task is to strike the ball with the paddle, sending it diagonally to the receiver's side. However, the ball has to bounce on your side before it clears the net to land on the opponent's side. The serve sets the tone for the game.

The lightning-fast exchanges and quick thinking come into play during the rally. After the serve, the ball has to bounce on your side of the net before you hit it, as volleys are not permitted in table tennis. You lose a point if you volley the ball back to your opponent.

Points are scored when your opponent misses the ball after you play a legal shot, when your opponent hits the ball into the net, the opponent returns the ball but misses your side of the table, or when the ball is hit by your opponent's body rather than the paddle. There are other ways in which a point can be won, but these account for most of them.

Variations in the sport include Single and Doubles, Round the World (Round Robin), Backhand Serve Challenge, and Speed Ping Pong.

Competitive table tennis is most popular in East Asia and Europe. However, it has been gaining attention in the United States.

Topics related to table tennis are the focus of this part of our web guide.

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