pingpong

Ping-pong, commonly called table tennis, is a racket sport in which two players (singles) or four players (doubles) hit a lightweight ball back and forth across a table divided by a net. The term ping-pong is widely used informally, while table tennis is the official name used in international competition and governing bodies.

The game originated in late 19th-century Britain as an indoor version of tennis. It was marketed under various names, and the brand ping-pong was popularized by Parker Brothers in the early 1900s. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926; the sport joined the Olympics in 1988 and has since developed global amateur and professional participation.

Equipment comprises a table 2.74 by 1.525 meters, a net, paddles with rubber faces, and a ball about 40 millimeters in diameter weighing 2.7 grams. Balls were traditionally made of celluloid; since the 2010s plastic balls have become standard in many competitions. Paddles feature different rubber textures, with inverted rubber giving more spin and pimples-out rubber sometimes used for blocking and variation.

Rules and play are governed by ITTF regulations. Matches are typically best-of-five or best-of-seven games, with each game played to 11 points. Service changes every two points, and players must win by two points at 10-10 (deuce). A rally ends upon a fault, a ball bouncing twice on a side, or a let on service.

Table tennis is widely played in clubs, schools, and professional circuits, and includes variations and classifications such as hardbat play and para table tennis for athletes with disabilities.