As the weather warms and people take their paddles out of storage, a spirited game of table tennis or ping pong often begins. The game can be a great way to relieve stress and get some exercise in. And, of course, a little ping pong can help improve hand-eye coordination and timing.
The earliest known reference to the game dates back to 1901, when British high society types grew bored indoors and began batting around champagne corks with makeshift bats on top of dining tables. The name ping pong caught on and was trademarked by Hamley Brothers in England, and later transferred to Parker Brothers in the United States.
In professional table tennis tournaments, a match is typically played to 11 points with two-point leads, and players must use official equipment (including a table, celluloid balls, and paddles). Recreational ping pong has more relaxed rules. Games may be played to different point totals, the serve does not have to be tossed up to 16 cm in the air, and paddles and tables can vary greatly in quality.
If you’re just starting out in the sport, it’s best to find a partner who is at your skill level or a bit higher, and not aggressively competitive. This way you can enjoy the game and learn from each other. You’ll also want to have a good supply of regulation ping pong balls, paddles, and a table if possible. If not, you can practice with a ping-pong robot or by tossing the ball into the air and trying to hit it consistently as it falls.