Table Tennis

Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a popular indoor sport enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. It may come as a surprise to many, but table tennis has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the late 19th century.

The roots of table tennis can be traced back to Victorian England, where lawn tennis was a popular outdoor sport. As winter approached, players looked for a way to continue playing the game indoors. They adapted their game to play on a table, using books as a net and cigar boxes as bats. At this point, the game was seen as a mere distraction for the wealthy classes.

In 1890, Englishman David Foster, attracted by its wide appeal, introduced the first game of tennis on a table. In 1897, the first national championships were organised in Hungary. Following a trip to the United States, in 1901 James Gibb brought back the first celluloid ball, which was a lot lighter than the rubber balls. A year later, in 1902, E.C. Gould, a British enthusiast of the game, introduced the first bats covered in rubber and rubberized pimples. It was game on for the history of table tennis!

The name ping pong and table tennis were synonymous until 1901 when a trademark made it brand specific for J. Jaques & Son Ltd (who later sold it to Parker Brothers). Thus, several companies, manufacturers, and associations were forced to change their names from “ping pong” to “table tennis.”

The first table tennis governing body, called the Table Tennis Association, was founded in 1921, while the ITTF was founded in 1926. The game quickly caught on, and as early as 1901, tournaments were being conducted with over 300 participants. In 1922, an All England Club was formed, which boasted such luminaries as Jack Hobbs the cricketer and other famous names of the time from the world of sport. The Daily Mirror organized and sponsored a nationwide tournament in which there were 40,000 competitors.

Table tennis continued to evolve and change throughout the 20th century. In the 1950s, the game was turned upside down by the invention of the sponge or sandwich rubber, which changed the nature of the game by establishing the fast attacking speed and spin style of the modern game.

Today, the sport of table tennis is thriving and continues to grow each year. It is played at all levels, from amateur to professional, and has become a recognized Olympic sport since 1988. Chinese top players are regarded as national heroes with pop star statuses.

In conclusion, the history of table tennis is a testament to the enduring appeal of this exciting sport. From its humble beginnings as a parlor game to its current status as a worldwide phenomenon, table tennis has come a long way. The future looks bright for this beloved sport, and it will continue to evolve and captivate players and fans alike for generations to come.

The objective of the game is straightforward: strike the ball over the net so it lands on your opponent’s side of the table. The ball must bounce once on their side. You earn a point if your opponent cannot return the ball or if they make contact with it before it bounces on their side of the table (unless the ball has already passed beyond the table).

Scoring

The victor is the first player to reach 11 points. If there is a tie at 10-10, the game proceeds until one player secures a 2-point advantage. Points can be scored regardless of who served. Matches may consist of the best of 3, 5, or 7 games, or any odd number of games desired.

Serving

The ball must first bounce on your side, then on your opponent’s side of the table. If the ball grazes the net and crosses over, a ‘let’ is called, and the serve is retaken. If the ball strikes the net and doesn’t cross or skips off the table without bouncing on your opponent’s side, you forfeit the point. There are no second serves.

The server should hold the ball on their open palm, above table level, and toss it vertically at least 16 cm. In singles, you can serve from any location to any spot on the table. Rotate servers every 2 points, and at 10-10, switch servers after each point.

In doubles, the service must be diagonal, from the server’s right half-court (marked by a white line) to the opponent’s right half-court.

Serving (Doubles)

The service rotation in doubles is as follows:

At the beginning of a game, the serving team chooses which player will serve first, designated as A1. The sequence proceeds as follows:

• A1 serves to B1 (2 services)
• B1 serves to A2 (2 services)
• A2 serves to B2 (2 services)
• B2 serves to A1 (2 services)

This pattern is repeated throughout the game.

Upon the conclusion of game 1 and the start of game 2, team B takes the first serve. B1 must serve to A1, followed by A1 serving to B2, and so on.

Rotation Rules for Doubles

In doubles, partners must take turns striking the ball. For instance, the sequence would be as follows:

• A1 serves the ball to B1
• B1 returns the ball to A2
• A2 hits the ball to B2
• B2 plays the ball to A1

This pattern is then repeated:

A1 sends the ball to B1, and so on

Table tennis, often referred to as ping pong, is a fast-paced and dynamic sport enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. To fully appreciate and excel in this sport, it’s essential to understand the various equipment pieces involved. This comprehensive guide will explore the different aspects of table tennis equipment, helping you make informed decisions and optimize your game.

Table Tennis Table

The official table dimensions are 2.74 meters long, 1.525 meters wide, and 76 centimeters high, with the playing surface typically made from wood or synthetic materials. Wheelchair-friendly tables have table legs at least 40 cm from the end line, enabling comfortable play for wheelchair-bound competitors.

Net and Post

The net, 15.25 centimeters high, spans the table width, dividing it into two equal halves. Nets may come with the table or require separate purchases, with variations like spring-loaded clips and hand-tightened screw clamps available. Ensure the net meets official dimensions and has a white upper tape no more than 15mm wide.

Table Tennis Ball

Balls are spherical, 40mm in diameter, weighing 2.7 grams, and made from celluloid or similar plastic materials. They come in white or orange, with a matte finish. While star ratings indicate quality, look for the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) approved stamp for top-quality balls suited for leagues and tournaments.

Racket (Paddle)

A crucial element in table tennis, the racket comprises a wooden blade with rubbers glued to each side. Rackets may be custom-made or pre-assembled, depending on personal preferences and skill level. Blade and rubber choices impact control, speed, and spin, so choose wisely.

Rubbers

Rubbers consist of a top sheet and an underlying sponge, available in inverted, short pimples, long pimples, and antispin styles. The majority of players opt for inverted rubbers, where pimples face inward. Selecting the right rubber affects the spin, control, and speed of your game.

Blades

The wooden part of a racket, the blade, consists of a handle and flat face for rubber attachment. Handles come in various shapes, such as flared, straight, anatomic, and penhold. Your choice depends on your grip, with flared handles recommended for shakehand grip players due to their comfort and anti-slip properties.

Paddle Case and Cleaner

Protect your racket with a paddle case, shielding rubbers from sunlight, dust, and dirt. Cases come in various colors and designs to reflect your style. Additionally, invest in a table tennis cleaner to prolong rubber life and maintain optimal performance by removing dirt and dust after each session.