A popular game originating as a casual pastime among upper-class British society types who batted around a champagne cork and makeshift paddles on top of dining tables, ping pong got its zany nicknames Whiff Whaff, Flim Flam, Gossima, Ping Pong, and others. Its popularity encouraged manufacturers to produce specialized bats and tables.
The sport is played at the highest level in competitions sanctioned by the International Table Tennis Federation, which features strict and standardized rules, including that matches be played to 11 points and serves must be thrown at least 16 cm high. However, the game is also widely played for recreational purposes and with more relaxed rules and equipment standards.
Unlike other sports, ping pong is often considered more of a mind game than a physical one. This makes it easier for players to pick up and learn, but requires consistent practice to develop and improve. The first step in becoming a good player is to understand your opponent
You can do this by watching a lot of ping pong and learning from more experienced players. Watching their stance, the timing of their strokes, and how they hit different types of balls can help you to develop your own style. You can even join a local table tennis league to get in more practice against more skilled opponents. Practicing consistently will also help you to improve your ability to follow the ball with your eyes and understand when to hit it.