Table Tennis is a sport that has been around for centuries. It is a popular game that can be played by two or four players and is known by many different names around the world. One of the most common names for this sport is “Ping-Pong”, which has been used since at least the late 19th century. The question is, why is it called Ping-Pong? Is it an official name for Table Tennis, or just a nickname?
History of Ping-Pong
The game of Table Tennis was first invented in the 1880s in England, where it was known as “Whiff-Whaff”. It was a game similar to Lawn Tennis, except that it was played on a table instead of a court. In the early days, the paddles were crudely made out of cigar boxes, and the ball was made out of champagne corks.
In the early 1900s, a company called Jaques & Son Ltd. started to produce the first commercial sets of Table Tennis equipment. They called the game “Gossima”, and it was a huge success. Around this time, the game started to become popular in the United States, where it was known as “Ping-Pong”.
Why is Table Tennis Called Ping-Pong?
It is not certain exactly why the game was called Ping-Pong, but there are a few theories. One theory is that the sound of the ball hitting the paddles reminded people of the sound of a “ping” and a “pong”. Another theory is that the name was derived from the sound of a clock chiming the hour.
The most likely explanation is that the name was a marketing ploy by the Parker Brothers, an American toy and game company. In 1901, the company had obtained the rights to the Jaques & Son Ltd. game and renamed it as “Ping-Pong”. They started to market the game as “The New Game of Ping-Pong”, and it quickly became a popular pastime.
Other Names for Table Tennis
Table Tennis is known by many different names in different countries. In England, it is still known as “Whiff-Whaff”, while in France it is known as “Tir aux Blanches”. In China, it is called “乒乓” (Pīng Pāng) and in Japan it is called “テーブルテニス” (Tēburutenisu).
In some countries, the game is referred to as “Floor Tennis”. This is because it is sometimes played on the floor, rather than on a table. It is also sometimes called “Speedball”, due to the fast-paced nature of the game.
Table Tennis Rules
Table Tennis is a game that is played by two or four players. The game is played on a rectangular table that is divided into two halves by a net. Each player has a paddle that is used to hit a plastic or celluloid ball back and forth across the net.
The aim of the game is to score points by hitting the ball over the net and onto the other player’s side. The ball can only be hit once on each side, and if it lands outside of the table it is considered a point for the other player. The winner is the first player to reach 11 points, or the player with the most points after a set amount of time has elapsed.
Different Types of Table Tennis
There are many different variations of Table Tennis. One of the most popular is Olympic Table Tennis, which is the version of the game that is played at the Olympic Games. This version of the game is played on a larger table, with higher nets and faster balls.
Table Tennis for the Disabled
Table Tennis is also a popular sport for disabled people. It can be played with wheelchairs, and the rules are slightly different. The ball must bounce twice on each side, and it can be hit with different parts of the body, not just the paddle.
Table Tennis for Children
Table Tennis is also a great game for children to learn and play. The rules are simpler than the Olympic version, and the paddles and balls are smaller and lighter. This makes it easier for children to play and enjoy the game.
Table Tennis Equipment
The equipment for Table Tennis is fairly simple and inexpensive. The most important piece is the table, which can be bought from a sports shop or online. The table should be 9 feet long and 5 feet wide, and it should be covered with a waterproof, non-slip surface.
The paddles should be made of wood, and they should have a rubbery surface on one side. The balls should be made of plastic or celluloid, and they should be 2.7 cm in diameter. The net should be 6 inches high, and it should be attached to the table with metal clips.
Conclusion
Table Tennis is a popular game that is known by many different names around the world. The most common name for the game is “Ping-Pong”, which is thought to have been a marketing ploy by an American toy company in the early 1900s.
Table Tennis is a great game for all ages and abilities, and it can be played with a variety of different equipment. Whether you call it Ping-Pong, Whiff-Whaff, or something else, Table Tennis is a great way to have fun and get some exercise.