Table Tennis
Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, is a racket sport derived from tennis but played on a stationary table instead of a court. It is played individually or in teams of two, with players taking alternating turns hitting a lightweight ball over the net using small rackets until one fails to return the ball, resulting in a point for the opponent. The game is characterized by its fast pace, requiring quick reactions and constant attention, and an emphasis on spin, which heavily affects the balls trajectory. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) governs the sport and conducts major tournaments worldwide, including the Olympics, where it has been an event since 1988. The game is enjoyed globally as both a competitive sport and a recreational pastime among players of all levels and ages.
Table tennis is played on a rectangular table with a net in the middle that splits the table into two halves. Each half has a vertical marker line, and the table is 2.74m long, 1.525m wide, and raised 76cm above the floor. Players use small rackets to hit a lightweight plastic ball back and forth across the table. The game is governed by official rules, such as games being played to 11 points, alternate serves every two points, and volleys not being allowed.
The sport originated in England in the late 19th century and has become one of the most popular indoor sports worldwide. It is also known as ping-pong and has been an Olympic sport since 1988. The game was initially played using improvised equipment, such as a champagne cork as a ball and cigar boxes as bats, before evolving into the modern sport enjoyed today.
