Ping pong is a game played by two players on a table. The goal is to hit a lightweight, hollow ball over a net to the opposing team. Players use small, wooden rackets, called bats, to propel the ball.
Ping pong is similar to table tennis, though there are some differences. First, the ball is hit instead of tossed. In addition, the table is divided into two equal courts. It is also not a sport that is recognized as an Olympic sport.
Another difference is that the paddles are different. Table tennis uses a wooden paddle with an inverted rubber on the outside. While ping pong’s paddles are usually spongeless, some people prefer a custom paddle.
The game is played by two or four players. Each player is given two serves before switching servers. After each serve, players alternate if they want to get another point or not. Generally, a match will end at 11 points.
The game has a lot of variations across the world. Most ping pong matches use a traditional 21 point format. There are even a few matches that use the Rundlauf, which allows for larger groups to play.
Before starting, it’s important to learn the rules. Some players don’t follow hard and fast rules, but rather, rely on hand-eye coordination and their knowledge of the game to win. If you aren’t confident in your abilities, it’s best to avoid playing in outdoor environments.
If you want to learn to play ping pong, it’s best to start with someone who has the proper equipment and isn’t aggressively competitive. You may also wish to play doubles. This will give you a chance to practice your skills.