Introduction to Wiff Waff
It might come as a surprise to many, but the game we know as Table Tennis is officially called Wiff Waff in the UK. This is not just a colloquial term that is used to refer to the sport, but rather is the official name for the game. This begs the question, why is table tennis called Wiff Waff?
History of Table Tennis
Table Tennis is a sport that has been around for centuries. The game itself has evolved over time and has taken on different names in different parts of the world. In the 19th century, the game was known in England as ‘Gossima’ and in North America as ‘Ping-Pong’. In 1901, the game was officially named Table Tennis by the British Table Tennis Association.
Origin of the Name Wiff Waff
Despite the official name of the sport being Table Tennis, the British still refer to the game as Wiff Waff. The origin of the name is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have evolved from the sound the ball makes when it is hit. The sound of the ball hitting the paddle and the table is described as “wiff waff” and this sound is what is thought to have given the game its British name.
Popularity of Wiff Waff
Although Table Tennis is a popular sport all over the world, it is particularly popular in the UK. Wiff Waff is the game of choice for many people in the UK and is seen as a fun and accessible way to keep fit and active. The game is also popular with both young and old, as it is a relatively low-cost activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Rules of Wiff Waff
The rules of Wiff Waff are the same as those of Table Tennis, with the basic objective of the game being to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court. The ball must then be returned to the opponent’s court before it bounces twice on their side of the table.
Equipment for Wiff Waff
In order to play Wiff Waff, players need the correct equipment. This includes a table, two bats, and a ball. The table should be 5 feet long and 9 feet wide, and the bats should be 7 inches in diameter. The ball should be made of celluloid and should be 2.7 grams in weight.
Additional Equipment for Wiff Waff
- Net: A net should be placed across the middle of the table to divide it into two halves.
- Scoreboard: A scoreboard should be used to keep track of the scores during the game.
- Racket Covers: Racket covers should be used to protect the bats from damage.
Variations of Wiff Waff
Wiff Waff can be played in a variety of different ways, with the most popular being singles and doubles. Singles is played with two players, with each player using one bat. Doubles is played with four players, with two players on each side of the table.
Competitions for Wiff Waff
Wiff Waff is a competitive sport, with many tournaments and competitions held around the world. The most prestigious competition is the World Table Tennis Championships, which is held every two years. Other tournaments include the Olympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, and the European Championships.
Conclusion
We have seen that the game we know as Table Tennis is officially called Wiff Waff in the UK. This name is thought to have evolved from the sound the ball makes when it is hit. Wiff Waff is a popular game in the UK and is seen as a fun and accessible way to keep fit and active. The rules of the game are the same as Table Tennis, with the basic objective being to hit the ball over the net and into the opponent’s court. There are a variety of different tournaments and competitions held for the sport, with the most prestigious being the World Table Tennis Championships.