What was table tennis first called?

Table Tennis: From Lawn Tennis to Ping Pong

Ping pong, also commonly known as table tennis, is a popular game that is enjoyed globally and has been around for centuries. Although the game is vastly different today than it was in its early days, it has managed to stay true to its roots and remain a beloved pastime. But what was table tennis first called?

Origins of Table Tennis

Table tennis, or ping pong as most people call it, dates back to the 12th century in England. It was originally called lawn tennis, which was a combination of games such as tennis, badminton, and handball. The game was played on flat grass courts with a net made of string and wooden paddles.

Early Variations of Lawn Tennis

By the mid-1800s, the game started to evolve and become more popular. Different variations emerged, including one where the game was played on a table with a cardboard ball and a book as the racket. This version of the game was called indoor tennis.

The Invention of Ping Pong

In the late 1800s, a toy company called Jaques & Son London became the first to commercially produce a version of indoor tennis. The company’s version of the game was created using a combination of materials, such as a celluloid ball, a felt net, and wooden paddles. It was the first time that the game was given the name ping pong, a term derived from the ping sound the ball made when it bounced off the net and the pong sound it made when it hit the paddles.

The Formation of the International Table Tennis Federation

As the game gained popularity, an international governing body was formed in 1926. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in Berlin, Germany. The ITTF standardized the rules and equipment used in the game and officially recognized it as a sport.

The Popularity of Ping Pong

Ping pong quickly gained popularity around the world and was even featured as a demonstration sport in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. It was officially added as a medal sport in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Today, it is one of the most popular competitive sports in the world and is played by millions of people.

The Evolution of Equipment

Table tennis equipment has evolved greatly over the years. The wooden paddles used in the early days of the game have been replaced with modern composite paddles. The balls used in the game are now made of plastic and are much lighter and faster than their predecessors.

Types of Table Tennis

Table tennis can be played in many different forms. It can be played as a singles game with two players, or as a doubles game with four players. There are also several different variations of the game, such as speed ping pong, which is a fast-paced version of the game.

Table Tennis Today

Table tennis is a popular game that is enjoyed by people around the world. It has come a long way since its early days and is now one of the most popular sports in the world.

Conclusion

Table tennis, first called lawn tennis, has a long and storied history. It has gone through many changes over the centuries and has become one of the most popular sports in the world. The game has evolved from its early days to become the modern game that we know and love today.

Frequently Asked Questions on Table Tennis

• What was table tennis first called? Table tennis was first called lawn tennis.
• What is the governing body of table tennis? The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is the governing body of table tennis.
• What are the different types of table tennis? Table tennis can be played as a singles game with two players, or as a doubles game with four players. There are also several different variations of the game, such as speed ping pong.
• What is the history of table tennis? Table tennis dates back to the 12th century in England. It was originally called lawn tennis, which was a combination of games such as tennis, badminton, and handball. The game was played on flat grass courts with a net made of string and wooden paddles.