Ping pong, a game played using two paddles, has been the center of attention since its first appearance in Olympic Games. This exciting game is gaining popularity among people in every region and all age groups.
Why is Ping Pong an Olympic Sport? According to the official website of the International Ping Pong Federation, ping pong is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or race. It is a sport that children, teenagers, adults, and seniors enjoy and provides health benefits and entertainment.
It is a great opportunity for people to enjoy leisure time, exercise, and improve their health. The main aim of the sport is to bounce a ping pong ball back and forth between two players by hitting the ping pong ball with a bat-like paddle.
Facts Why is Ping Pong an Olympic Sport?
Why ping-pong is considered an Olympic Sport? It is a fast-paced and exciting sport in which two players hit a ball back and forth across a table to keep the opponent from striking it.
When it comes to playing ping-pong, the rules and equipment vary in some countries. In the U.S., for example, there are four variations in terms of official rules: indoor ping-pong, outdoor ping-pong, double-table ping-pong, and doubles.
The main focus of playing is having fun and enjoying the game of ping-pong. However, to become a skilled player, you need to master the skills of the game and know the rules of the official tournament so that you can perform well in competition.
However, whether you’re playing the indoor version or playing outside, there are some things that you should be aware of before hitting the table. I have described this in this article to help you.
A Brief History of Ping Pong Game
Ping pong has its roots in China in the 1900s. The game was named after a Chinese scholar called Shi Jing. He used a ball and paddles, just like today’s version.
Later, in the 18th century, it was used to train soldiers. Then in 1904, the US modified the game to make it more playable. And by the 1930s, it was the number one recreational activity of children in the United States.
In the 1940s, Ping pong was played using steel balls instead of rubber. In 1958, two US college students modified their ping pong paddles. This modification would change the entire future of the ping pong game. It would eventually lead to a new era of games, new equipment, and more.
The Official Olympics Ping Pong Variations
Official ping pong variations are:
1) The forehand and backhand version is played with the player striking the ball with the paddle so that the ping pong ball comes out of the top of the paddle and back in the opposite direction.
2) A singles game uses only one paddle, as the ball is only hit once.
2) Doubles are played with two paddles. There are several versions of this game, but this is the most popular.
4) More than three strikes of the ball are required for the rally version.
This game has many rules. It plays with two paddles and a bat. The game’s objective is to hit the ball using the bat (paddle) so that it bounces back to the opponent. There are four variations of table tennis games.
The number of points awarded to the winner depends on the style of the game being played. For instance, for the forehand and backhand versions, each point is worth one and a half points. However, for the singles version, there is a single point for every ball struck.
Why do they Serve like that in Olympic Ping-Pong?
I’ve never seen a ball serve like that in a real ping-pong game. It was the same during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The ball is served like this because it makes the service easier.
When using a tennis racket, you have to strike the ball while hitting the top of the strings. This is hard to do if the top of the racket is held upright.
So when they serve like that, it gives the player a better view of the net and allows them to strike the ball better.
FAQS
What is ping-pong called in the Olympics?
Ping-pong is a popular sport during the Olympic Games. It consists of two players using a small rubber ball to hit and catch it within a small wooden frame. The game involves a lot of physical activity, which requires intense concentration and focus.
The name “ping-pong” comes from the sound it makes when the ball is hit and rebounds. However, the word “ping-pong” is actually a shortened version of the Chinese term “pi ngao”.
Is the Olympic ping pong table smaller?
No, the Olympic ping pong table is not smaller than a regular ping pong table. It is only lighter and has less ballast. You can order it online or visit a sports shop to get it.
How big is an Olympic ping pong table?
A typical ping pong table can measure anywhere between 9ft x 5ft x 2.5ft.
