Table tennis, a game of unparalleled speed and precision, stands as one of the most exhilarating sporting spectacles today.

Originally a leisurely activity for the upper class in Victorian-era England, the sport was initially called "ping pong" before officially being renamed table tennis in 1922.

Dear Lykkers, in its early stages, the sport was predominantly dominated by European players, particularly the Hungarians.

However, the 1950s marked a turning point when table tennis gained immense popularity in Asia, which has since produced some of the world’s finest players.

Just eight years after hosting its first World Cup in China, table tennis debuted at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and has been a staple at the Games ever since.

Table Tennis Equipment

Table Tennis Table

The game is played on a 2.74 x 1.53-metre rectangular table made of fibrewood, divided into two halves by a net. The table is coated with dark, glossy paint, giving it a matte finish, and features a 2cm-thick line marking the playing surface. The net, standing 15.25 cm high, is suspended using poles attached to the table.

Table Tennis Racquet

The racquet, commonly referred to as a paddle, measures approximately 17 cm long and 15 cm wide. Constructed primarily of wood, it is covered with rubber on both sides—one black and one red—to allow players to apply and counter spin effectively.

Table Tennis Ball

The ball, typically orange or white, is lightweight at 2.7 grams and has a diameter of 40 millimeters, adhering to official regulations.

Table tennis Top 14 Impossible Rallies

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How to Play Table Tennis

Serves and Service Rules

A table tennis match begins with a coin toss by the umpire. The winner can choose to serve, receive, or select a side of the table. The server must toss the ball from an open palm and strike it so it bounces first on their side, then over the net into the opponent’s half. The receiver returns it after it bounces on their side. Striking the ball before it bounces is considered a foul.

In singles, the server can aim for any part of the opponent's half. In doubles, the service must travel diagonally across the table.

Scoring Points

Players aim to strike the ball in a way that the opponent cannot return it successfully, using power, spin, or deception. Points are awarded if the ball fails to clear the net, goes out of bounds, or contacts any part of the opponent’s body during play.

Winning the Game

To win a game, a player must score 11 points with a two-point lead if tied at 10-10. Matches are usually played in a best-of-seven format for singles and a best-of-five format for doubles.

Popular Table Tennis Shots

Topspin

This offensive shot involves gliding the paddle upward at a 45-degree angle over the ball, creating spin and making it challenging for the opponent to return.

Block

A fundamental defensive move where the paddle is held with an open face to return the ball, keeping it in play.

Chop

A defensive shot used to counter spin, executed by slicing the paddle downward at a 45-degree angle to impart backspin. This can be performed with both forehand and backhand techniques.

Table Tennis at the Olympics

Table tennis has been featured at the Olympics since 1988, with competitions in singles and team events for both men and women. Initially including doubles, the format was revised in 2008 to replace doubles with team events.

China has dominated Olympic table tennis, securing 66 medals, including 37 golds, followed by South Korea with 18 medals and three golds.