What is Ping Pong?

Ping pong, also known as table tennis, is a fun and easy game with a competitive spirit. Today, ping pong is gaining popularity, both as a fun and recreational game and as a competitive game. The rules of ping pong are simple and easy to understand, and although it requires quick reflexes, it is less physically strenuous than many competitive games. Ping pong began as a Victorian pastime, with simple improvised objects and equipment was soon being made and sold.

Ideal for year-round play, ping pong is played on a green table with a solid surface and white lines marking the court for doubles play. A competitively sized ping pong table measures 9 ft. x 5 ft. x 2.5 ft., so many ping pong tables are made to be folded up and stored away when not in use. A net is secured in the center of the table. Two to four players can play, and players use small round rackets, usually with a rubber surface and a layer of a sponge-like core to hit the ball back and forth over the net and across the table. Changes have occurred over time, particularly with respect to televised competition play, including increased ball size, lower point levels for judging the winner, and changes to the paddle design.

The game is won when 11 points are scored and the players alternate serves every two points. At 10 points, players alternate serves with each point. Matches are common, with a winner declared after 4/7 wins or 3/5 wins. The first serve is usually decided by a coin toss. Mistakes such as missing the ball, hitting the ball off the table, not making a good return, and others will award your opponent a point. Players can use a forehand or backhand and can use one or both hands in the game. Recreational, non-competitive play often relaxes some of these rules.

Ping pong is a great choice for a competitive sport or a fun, relaxing activity. While many schools, recreation centers, and other public facilities offer ping pong tables, more and more families are choosing to invest in one. Ping pong offers year-round physical activity, good clean fun, and the opportunity to work on being quick with your feet and with the ping pong paddle. The rules are learned quickly and you will find that you can pick up ping pong skills with just a little practice and effort.