Ping pong, also known as table tennis, is a fun and exciting sport that can be played by two or more people. It can be played in a one-on-one competition against an opponent or in teams of two (known as doubles). The first player or team to score 11 points wins the game.
A ping pong paddle, or racket, is the most important piece of equipment to have. The paddle should be between six and nine inches tall, have a solid wood frame, and be painted with a vivid color. It must be shown to the opponent and umpire before each match, as well as when it is changed.
The best way to improve your ping pong skills is to play as often as possible, using the same paddle. This will help you to get used to the feel of it and will make it easier to hit the ball consistently. It is also helpful to practice the basic strokes, such as the forehand drive and backhand push. This will enable you to develop consistency in your shots and increase the power of your shots.
The physical demands of ping pong are similar to those of tennis, but it requires a higher level of concentration and finer footwork. It is a good idea to master ping pong before you attempt to play tennis, as the rapid wrist movement needed for ping pong can be detrimental if you try to train for both at the same time.