Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a fast-paced indoor racquet sport played on a rectangular table divided by a net. It is typically played between two players (singles) or two teams of two players each (doubles). The game shares some similarities with tennis but is played on a smaller scale.
Key features of table tennis include:
- Table: The game is played on a rectangular table, usually 9 feet long and 5 feet wide, with a net placed across the middle.
- Ball: Table tennis is played with a lightweight ball, usually made of celluloid or a similar plastic material. The ball has a diameter of 40 millimeters.
- Racquets: Players use small paddles or racquets to hit the ball back and forth across the table. The racquets are covered with rubber on both sides, and players use different types of spins and strokes to control the ball.
- Scoring: Points are scored when one player fails to return the ball within the prescribed boundaries, and the opponent wins the rally. A game typically goes up to 11 points, and a player or team must win by a margin of two points. Matches are usually best-of-five or best-of-seven games.
- Serve: The serve is an integral part of table tennis, and it alternates between players after every two points are scored. The server must toss the ball vertically and hit it so that it bounces on their side of the table before crossing the net.
- Spins: Table tennis is known for the variety of spins that players can impart on the ball, including topspin, backspin, and sidespin. These spins add complexity to the game and make it challenging for opponents to predict the trajectory of the ball.
Table tennis is played at various levels, from casual recreation to international competitions. It is an Olympic sport and is governed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The game requires quick reflexes, agility, and precision, making it a popular choice for both competitive play and recreational fun.