Table tennis and ping pong are the two names that are most often used to describe one of the world’s most popular games. Whether you’re a casual player at your local bar or a competitive tournament competitor, understanding the differences between these two terms can help enhance your game.
The story of ping pong begins in 1900, when celluloid balls were introduced into the budding sport. These new balls produced the perfect pop with each bounce, and people began to refer to the game by its distinct sound. Soon, variations on the name started to sprout up: whiff-whaff, flim flam, pom-pom, clip-clap, and ping pong. The latter caught on, and eventually became a trademarked name for equipment sold in the United States by Parker Brothers.
As the sport grew internationally, it became necessary to create an official name for the game. The International Table Tennis Federation was formed in 1926, and since that time the game has been officially known as table tennis. However, ping pong is still the preferred term of recreational and leisure players.
Ping pong is a fun and catchy name that sounds like the volley of the ball between friends playing the game. The word also evokes the speed and skill of the game, which makes it an appealing choice for a game played with both feet on the ground, using both a shakehand grip and an aggressive, offensive style. In addition, ping pong is easy to play, making it an excellent choice for a casual pastime that can be enjoyed by friends of all ages and ability levels.