Ping pong (pronounced “gnop-gnip” backwards) is a game of table tennis in which players hit a lightweight ball back and forth over a flat table divided by a net. The game is a fast-paced sport that requires quick reactions. Skillful players can impart spin to the ball which makes it difficult for their opponent to predict the trajectory of the ball or return it accurately.
Traditionally, ping pong has been dominated by athletes from central Europe and the Soviet Union. However, beginning in the mid-1950s, China began producing world-class athletes, and since the early 1970s both the men’s and women’s team events have been dominated by Chinese players. The popularity of the sport in China contributed to what is known as “Ping Pong diplomacy,” a period during the Cold War in which tensions between the United States and China were eased via a series of highly publicized ping pong matches between the two countries.
The game is played using either a wooden or plastic bat, sometimes called a paddle, which is shaped to grip the ball. A variety of rubber surfaces are available on the bat to alter the playing surface and provide different qualities of play. Players usually swap their paddles after each leg of a match to avoid advantage due to the type of bat used.
Ping pong can be enjoyed by players of all ages and can even be a great family activity. It is a low-impact exercise that improves arm, leg, and core strength without negatively impacting the joints. In addition, ping pong can be a social activity that encourages teamwork and communication when playing on teams.