Speed, power, skill, subtleness, excellent coordination of hands and eyes are the features that describe the sport, table tennis. This sport with force and ability as its key elements had succeeded to maintain its fame all the way, right from its origin during the late 19th century. Mostly regarded as the after-dinner game of the upper class English families, table tennis has been a spectacular sport with maximum participation. The game acquired its official recognition in 1977 by the IOC. Hence, the decision of its inclusion in Olympics was taken in the 84th Session in the year 1981 of the IOC in Baden. Since its first debut in Olympic program in the year 1988, China has swept the maximum gold medals, winning 20 out of the 24 available ones. With numerous spectators anxious to watch the game, the sport had succeeded to attract many in Barcelona-1992, Atlanta-1996, Sidney-2000, Athens-2004 and Beijing-2008. Being a sport that can be equally enjoyed by all ages, table tennis is also known as ping-pong because of the noise heard while playing. Earlier, table tennis was played with balls those were made of either cork or rubber and the rackets were made of cardboard. In order to know more about this great sport, scroll further.
Table Tennis Rules And Regulations
Table tennis is considered to be the most popular racquet sport in the world, second in terms of participation. Read more to know the rules and regulations of the game.
Table Tennis
- In order to decide the first service of the player, the coin is tossed.
- Table tennis follows the same rules as that of tennis. The server has to strike the ball from his court with the racket and make sure that it does not hit the net in between.
- It is mandatory that the players have to toss the ball upward before putting it in the receiver’s court.
- During the times of service and the game, the ball has to be played over the upper surface of the table.
- After a good service, the receiver has to return the ball before it bounces twice in his court.
- If the opponent fails to make a correct service or a return, a point is scored by the player.
- A clear service or a return of the ball touching anything other than the net assembly.
- A point is scored if the opponent obstructs the ball.
- If the opponent’s free hand touches the playing surface, the player is awarded points.
- The game shall be won by the player who reaches the target of 11 points. If both the players score 10 points together, then a game lead of 2 points is set and the player to score wins.
- The games usually have odd number of matches and are mostly five or seven.
Table Tennis History
Britain is deemed as the birthplace of table tennis. In 1880s, this game came into being and made its first debut at the Olympics in the year 1988. This event is held separately for the men and women till date. The story of the history of table tennis traces back to the days in 1932 when steps were taken to mark it as a demonstration sport on 1936 Olympics held in Berlin. But despite of the constant efforts taken in this regard, it did not come into reality. Hence, no step was taken for the progress of the game until 1938 and with the outbreak of the Second World War 1939, all the activities ceased. Also, the 1940 Olympics in Tokyo and the 1944 Olympics in London could not be staged.
Britain is deemed as the birthplace of table tennis. In 1880s, this game came into being and made its first debut at the Olympics in the year 1988. This event is held separately for the men and women till date. The story of the history of table tennis traces back to the days in 1932 when steps were taken to mark it as a demonstration sport on 1936 Olympics held in Berlin. But despite of the constant efforts taken in this regard, it did not come into reality. Hence, no step was taken for the progress of the game until 1938 and with the outbreak of the Second World War 1939, all the activities ceased. Also, the 1940 Olympics in Tokyo and the 1944 Olympics in London could not be staged.