A ball game played on a flat table divided into two equal courts by a net fixed across its middle. It is played with a lightweight hollow ball that is propelled back and forth over the net by small rackets (bats, or paddles) held in the hands of the players. It is a fast-paced, exciting sport with a wide range of skill levels. The game can be played by one player against another, or in teams of two, known as doubles. The sport is a popular pastime worldwide and can be found in workplaces, schools, recreation centers, and other public venues. It is a very social and fun game, although at its highest level it can be a highly competitive sport.
Getting Started
The best way to learn ping pong is with a playing partner. Find someone who is at your same or slightly higher skill level, and preferably someone who isn’t aggressively competitive. You’ll also need a ping pong table, regulation ping pong balls, and a set of paddles if you don’t have your own.
In ping pong, you get points when your opponent fails to return your serve after it has bounced once on their side of the table. Alternatively, you can also score points when you touch the ball with your non-paddle hand during a rally.
The term “ping pong” is most commonly used to refer to the game played using a sponge less bat. This type of bat is often referred to as a hardbat or a sandpaper paddle, and is preferred by some players because it eliminates any bias in the game between opponents who may use different types of rubbers on their own individually designed bats.