Table Tennis: The Three Original Names
Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is one of the most popular sport in the world. It’s a great way to stay active and have fun with family and friends. But did you know that table tennis had not always been called by its current name? In fact, it has had three different names throughout its history. Let’s take a look at the three original names of table tennis and how it evolved over time.
Early Beginnings of Table Tennis
Table tennis originated in England in the late 19th century. It was first played as an after-dinner game using books to create a net and using cigar box lids as paddles. The game was known as Royal Tennis or Whiff Waff, and was enjoyed by members of the upper class.
Gossima: The First Table Tennis Game
By 1901, the game had become more popular, and English inventor John Jaques III developed the first commercial version of the game. He called it “Gossima”. The game featured a rectangular table, a net, and paddles, and was made of wood and cardboard. The name “Gossima” was derived from the French phrase “le jeu de gossima”, which means “play of delight”.
Ping-Pong: The Table Tennis Game You Know and Love
In 1902, Jaques’ patent for Gossima expired and a new version of the game was developed by an American sports equipment manufacturer called Parker Brothers. They called it “Ping-Pong”, and it was very similar to Gossima, but with some key differences. The table was made of metal, and the paddles were covered with rubber. The name “Ping-Pong” was derived from the sound the ball made when it hit the table and the paddle.
Table Tennis: The Official Name of the Sport
By 1921, the game had become very popular and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded to promote the sport. At this time, the sport was officially named “Table Tennis” and the rules were standardized.
The Three Original Names of Table Tennis
So, to sum up, the three original names of table tennis are Royal Tennis, Whiff Waff, and Gossima. Here is a brief overview of each of these names:
- Royal Tennis: The earliest version of the game, played with books and cigar box lids.
- Whiff Waff: Another early version of the game, popular among the upper class.
- Gossima: The first commercially available version of the game developed by John Jaques III.
The Evolution of Table Tennis
Since its early beginnings, table tennis has evolved drastically. It has gone from being a casual after-dinner game to a professional sport with international tournaments. The equipment has also changed significantly, with modern tables, paddles, and balls designed for maximum performance.
Table Tennis Today
Today, table tennis is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It’s a great way to stay active and have fun with family and friends. It’s also a professional sport, with some of the world’s best players competing for titles.
Table Tennis for Everyone
Table tennis is a great sport for everyone, from beginners to advanced players. There are a variety of ways to play, from singles to doubles, and from casual games to competitive tournaments. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay active or a competitive sport to master, table tennis is the perfect game for you.
Table Tennis Organizations
There are several organizations that promote and support the sport of table tennis. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is the governing body of the sport, and it organizes the world championships. There are also national and regional organizations that organize tournaments, leagues, and other events.
Conclusion
Table tennis has come a long way since its early beginnings. It has gone from being a casual after-dinner game to a professional sport with international tournaments. The three original names of the game are Royal Tennis, Whiff Waff, and Gossima. Today, the sport is enjoyed by millions of people around the world, and it is supported by organizations such as the International Table Tennis Federation. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to stay active or a competitive sport to master, table tennis is the perfect game for you.