Table tennis is a great sport to play competitively or socially with family & friends. Ping Pong, as it’s commonly known, was invented in the 1880’s in England when the game makers wanted to replicate the popularity of tennis by developing a version which could be played indoors. Table Tennis has been a Summer Olympic Games inclusion since 1988 & the medals have been dominated by Chinese table tennis players.
The sport is played as a singles(1 player vs 1 player) or doubles(2 players vs 2 players) match and is played competitively in most parts of the world. It’s popularity as a social sport played by family & friends is due to the fact that it can be played in a relatively small space compared to other racket sports. Many homes have table tennis tables and the fact that most table tennis tables can be folded up for easy storage when not being used helps reduce the space needed. If you want a comprehensive list of the Table Tennis Equipment needed, with recommendations, please take a look at our article.
The Table Tennis section of Bestracket is designed to provide helpful information for all skill levels of tennis player, from the newbie that is picking up a table tennis bat for the very first time all the way up to the advanced level table tennis player.
Table Tennis Frequently Asked Questions
Who Invented Table Tennis?
The Englishman David Foster filed a patent for a game of tennis on a table in 1890, so he can be considered the inventor of table tennis.
Is Ping Pong The Same As Table Tennis?
There is no difference between table tennis and ping-pong. Table tennis is seen as the name of the serious sport, while ping pong is the name given to the fun, social game.
When Was Table Tennis Invented?
The game originated in 1880’s when players adapted lawn tennis for indoor play during the winter. A patent was, however, only filed in 1890 for a game of tennis on a table.
How Is Table Tennis Different From Other Racquet Sports?
Unlike other racket sports, table tennis uses smaller rackets, mostly made of wood. Furthermore, the balls are much smaller and lighter than those used in sports like tennis and racquetball. Table tennis is also played behind a table, rather than on a court as most racket sports are.
Is Table Tennis An Olympic Sport?
Yes it is. 1988 was the first year that table tennis was included in the Summer Olympic Games.
How Many Sets In Table Tennis?
A table tennis match consists of five sets of 11 points each.
Why Do Table Tennis Player Touch The Table?
The main reason is to try to dry their sweaty hands between points.
Are Volleys Allowed In Table Tennis?
No. Volleying the ball (hitting it before it bounces on your side of the net) is allowed in tennis. You lose the point if you do this in table tennis.
Is Ping Pong A Sport?
Ping Pong is definitely a sport. It is referred to as Table Tennis when spoken about as a competitive sport.
Is Ping Pong An Olympic Sport?
Ping Pong, known as Table Tennis, has been played in the Summer Olympic Games since 1988.
When Was Ping Pong Invented?
Ping Pong, the casual name for Table Tennis, was invented in England in 1890.
Who Invented Ping Pong?
As referred to above when we told you who invented Table Tennis, the official inventor of Ping Pong was the Englishman David Foster.
How Big Is A Ping Pong Table?
A Ping Pong table is 9ft(2.74m) in length by 5ft(1.525m) wide by 2.5ft(0.76m) in height.
How Big Is A Ping Pong Ball?
A ping pong ball has a diameter of 40mm(1.57 inches) and a circumference of 125.66mm(4.95 inches).
What Are Ping Pong Balls Made Of?
Ping Pong balls are made of ABS Plastic.
Where Did Ping Pong Originate?
Ping Pong, also known as Table Tennis, originated in England in the 1880’s.
Can You Volley In Ping Pong?
No, if you return your opponents shot by hitting the ball before it bounces then it’s your opponent’s point.
How Much Does A Ping Pong Ball Weigh?
A Ping Pong Ball weighs 2.7 grams or 0.095 ounces.
How Much Room Do You Need For A Ping Pong Table?
The dimensions of the room used to play Ping Pong on a full size ping pong table should be at least 19 foot long and 11 foot wide.
How To Clean A Ping Pong Table?
The best and most efficient way to keep your Ping Pong table clean is to wipe it with a soft, clean cloth after each use. To prevent dust from accumulating on the surface of the table between uses it’s best to cover the table with Ping Pong table cover.
Can You Hit The Net In Ping Pong?
During a game, the ball can hit the net at any point, and if it lands on the opponents’ side, the point continues. On the other hand, if the ball hits the net and lands on the opponent’s side during a serve, it results in a “let” and the server has to serve again.
Do You Have To Serve Diagonally In Ping Pong?
The answer is no in a singles game, but yes for a doubles match. In singles you can serve the ball to anywhere on your opponents side of the table, but in doubles you must start a point by serving diagonally to your opponents side of the table.
Click on the links below to some of our most popular Table Tennis articles. Go to the Home Page and hover over the “TABLE TENNIS” menu tab to browse the various articles which are designed to give you all the information you need to be the best Table Tennis player you can be, irrespective of your skill level.
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Here are some of our most popular Best Racket Table Tennis articles:
Best Table Tennis Equipment List With Recommendations – A Must Read
Joola Ping Pong Table Reviews: 3 Best Ping Pong Tables from Joola