Ping pong is one of the most popular indoor sports in the world and, despite some criticisms of the onomatopoeic name, it is considered to be a very fun and playful game. It is especially popular in East Asia and it has been a part of so-called ‘ping pong diplomacy’, a period during the Cold War when tensions between China and the United States eased as a result of some well publicised table tennis matches between athletes from both countries.
The sport is very similar to table tennis but there are some differences and it is important to understand these if you want to get the best out of your ping pong experience. The main difference is that ping pong is played with sponge less bats, sometimes called hardbats. These bats are typically made of wood and have a knobby surface on the outermost layer. In contrast table tennis is played with specialized sponge filled paddles and, for many players, this is the game’s most significant difference.
There are also some differences in the rules of the game. In ping pong you can only hit the ball after it has bounced once on your side of the table. This rule prevents ‘volleying’, which can give your opponent an advantage.
To become a good player it is important to practice consistently. The key to improving is focusing on your footwork and learning how to use different parts of your body. It is also important to have a good understanding of your opponents stance and playing style. For example, if your opponent is a defensive player then you should try to chop and push the ball away from their power zone which is within arm’s reach of their forehand and near their body on their backhand.