Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, is a sport that has been popular around the world for over a century. Although the game is known by different names in various countries, the name “table tennis” is most commonly used. But why is it called table tennis? This article will explain the history of the sport and why it is known as table tennis.
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History of Table Tennis
Table tennis began in England in the 1880s, when it was known as “wiff-waff.” It was played on any available table and the players used books as rackets and a golf ball as the ball. In 1901 the game was patented with the name “Gossima” and it became a popular parlor game.
In 1921, the Table Tennis Association (TTA) was formed in England and the name “table tennis” was officially adopted. The TTA standardized the rules and equipment for the game, which included a net, a small solid ball, and wooden paddles.
Spread of Table Tennis
The game quickly spread around the world and was included as an Olympic sport in 1988. By the 1930s, table tennis had become a professional sport and tournaments were held around the world. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926 and is the governing body of the sport.
Table Tennis in Popular Culture
Table tennis has been featured in many movies, video games, and television shows. It has been featured in movies such as “Forrest Gump” and “The Karate Kid.” Video games such as “Pong” and “Mario Tennis” have been popular for decades. Table tennis has also been featured in popular television shows such as “Friends” and “The Simpsons.”
Table Tennis Equipment
Table tennis is played on a rectangular table that is 2.74 meters long and 1.525 meters wide. The net is 15.25 cm high and is attached to the table. The ball used is 40 mm in diameter and is made of celluloid. The paddles are made of wood, fiberglass, or carbon fiber and have a rubber surface on one or both sides.
Types of Table Tennis
Table tennis can be played in many different formats, including singles, doubles, and team events. Singles is the most popular format, where two players compete against each other. Doubles is played with two teams of two players each, and team events involve three or four players per team.
Table Tennis Rules
The rules of table tennis are similar to those of other racket sports. The game is played over the best of five sets, with the first player to win three sets being declared the winner. The game is won by the player who scores 11 points first, with each point won by the player who serves the ball.
Why is it Called Table Tennis?
The name “table tennis” was adopted by the TTA in 1921 and has been used ever since. The name is thought to be derived from the sport’s origins in England, where it was known as “wiff-waff.” The name “table tennis” is used to differentiate it from other racket sports, such as tennis, badminton, and squash.
Conclusion
Table tennis is a sport that has been popular around the world for over a century. The game originated in England and was known as “wiff-waff” before it was patented with the name “Gossima” in 1901. The Table Tennis Association (TTA) adopted the name “table tennis” in 1921 and it has been used ever since. The sport has been included as an Olympic sport and is featured in popular culture. The equipment used for table tennis includes a wooden net, a small solid ball, and wooden paddles.
Table tennis is a fun and challenging sport that can be played in various formats. The rules of the game are similar to those of other racket sports and it is won by the player who scores 11 points first. The name “table tennis” is used to differentiate it from other racket sports, such as tennis, badminton, and squash.
Table tennis is a popular sport around the world and it has a long and interesting history. The name “table tennis” is derived from the game’s origins in England and it has been used ever since. It is a fun and exciting sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.