What is table tennis?
This sport called table tennis, also known as ping pong, is an individual game, although team competitions are often held. In any case, matches are played in singles or doubles mode.
The operation of this sport is very simple. The objective is to hit the ball with a racket, passing it from one side of the table to the other, while making it difficult for the opponent to return it.
This game can be played in most towns. Almost every town has a table tennis facility, usually in parks, so… let’s play!
History of table tennis
Table tennis traces its origins back to the late 19th century when, on a rainy day, tennis players from an English club couldn’t play outdoor tennis and created an indoor variation of the sport. They set up a square table with a cord in the middle as a net, using any bouncing material as the ball, this sport was born in England.
Years later, Charles Bater developed a version of the game using cork balls, and another athlete, James Gibb, introduced rackets with 45 cm handles.
The name ping-pong originated from the sound of celluloid balls bouncing on the table.
By the early 20th century, ping-pong tournaments were already being held with over 300 participants. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926 and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Table tennis table dimensions
A ping pong table, also known as a table tennis table, must meet specific measurements and specifications to comply with international standards. Here are the main measurements and specifications that a ping pong table should have:
- Overall dimensions:
- Length: 2.74 meters (9 feet)
- Width: 1.525 meters (5 feet)
- Height: 0.76 meters (2 feet, 6 inches)
- Playing surface:
- Material: The playing surface should be made of laminated material, typically in dark green or blue color.
- Texture: The surface should have a matte and uniform finish for consistent ball bounce.
- Markings and lines: There should be markings for the playing area, such as boundary lines, center line, and side lines.
- Net and posts:
- Net height: The net should be 15.25 centimeters (6 inches) high, extending vertically from the playing surface.
- Net length: The net should be as long as the table width, typically 1.525 meters (5 feet).
- Posts: The net should be attached to posts that stand vertically on each side of the table.
- Table frame and legs:
- Frame: The table should have a sturdy frame to support the playing surface and maintain stability during play.
- Legs: The table should have four legs, one on each corner, with adjustable height to ensure a level playing surface.
Rules of table tennis
Below, we will explain the most important rules of table tennis so that you can practice and watch it without any problems. The rules are extracted from the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).