In community centres, backyards, gyms and bars around the world ping pong (also known as table tennis) has earned its status as one of the most popular games in the world. But how did this simple pastime evolve into such a hugely popular sport with an international competitive scene?
The game requires four items – a table, two paddles, and a ball. Today’s paddles, also called bats, are usually made of wood with foam and pimpled or stippled rubber on both sides. They are typically 9 ft. (2.74 m) long and 5 ft. (1.52 m) wide with a net running across the middle to divide it into two playing zones. In order to score a point in ping pong a player must hit the ball after it has bounced on their side of the table. Hitting the ball before it has bounced or obstructing the ball are both considered to be a violation and a point awarded to the opponent.
At the end of a leg (best of five legs) players change ends and swap their bats so that neither player has a clear advantage over the other from their equipment. This is a big difference to table tennis where the equipment has been carefully designed and tested in order to gain an advantage.
In ping pong matches points are awarded to the first player to reach 11 points (unless it is tied at 10-10, in which case the player who leads by two points wins). It is a great way to get some exercise while socialising with friends or coworkers.