Ping pong is not only fun, it can also be very challenging to play at a competitive level. To improve, it is important to practice consistently and make sure that you are hydrated and fueled with healthy foods before and after playing. It is also helpful to have a coach who can teach you the basics or to watch videos online.
Originally, ping-pong was named after the onomatopoeic sound of the ball hitting the table. It was first trademarked by the British company J. Jaques and Son at the end of the 1800s, but was later transferred to Parker Brothers, who used it for their board games.
After the sport became more popular in central Europe, Hungary dominated the world championships for both men and women from 1926 to 1939. The 1950s saw the rise of Asia as a breeding ground for champions, with Japan and China winning multiple titles each. The 1970s marked the start of a period of ping-pong diplomacy, which helped to ease tension between the United States and China.
Today, both ping pong and table tennis are commonly used names for the sport, but they don’t mean the same thing. Ping pong is the name for the casual, garage-style version of the sport and table tennis is the competitive, Olympic-level version. Regardless of the name, it is still very popular around the world. Whether you’re looking for a new way to exercise or just want to have some fun with friends, ping pong is the perfect activity.