POLYTECHNIC COLLEGE OF DAVAO DEL SUR, INC.
-MacArthur Highway, Brgy. Kiagot, Digos City,
Davao del Sur, Philippines 8002
Name:Keyla Crisadel S. Roque
Course and Section:BSN2-C
TABLE TENNIS
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Introduction
2. History of Table Tennis
3. Equipment History
4. Variants
o Ping Pong Diplomacy
o Para Table Tennis
o Speed Table Tennis
o Mini Table Tennis
o Doubles Table Tennis
o Round Table Tennis
o Hard bat Table Tennis
5. Participants
6. Equipment
o Table
o Net and Posts
o Racket (or Paddle)
o Table tennis ball
o Clothing
o Shoes
o Table Tennis Robot
o Table Cover
o Grip Tape
o Scoreboard
7. Playing Area
8. Match Duration
9. Scoring
INTRODUCTION
Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, is a dynamic and exhilarating sport that combines lightning-
fast reflexes, strategic thinking, and precise technique. Played on a table divided by a net, it involves
players using small, lightweight paddles to volley a ball back and forth across the table. What makes
table tennis truly captivating is its blend of speed, spin, and agility, requiring players to anticipate their
opponent's moves while executing their shots with accuracy and finesse. Whether played casually
among friends or competitively in tournaments around the world, table tennis offers endless excitement
and challenges for players of all skill levels. In this introduction, we'll explore the history, rules,
equipment, and key skills that define this thrilling sport.
The modern sport of table tennis, as we know it today, has evolved over time, with its origins
dating back to the late 19th century in England. While it's difficult to attribute the creation of
table tennis to a single individual, several key figures contributed to the development and
popularization of the game:
1. English Upper-Class Victorians: Table tennis is believed to have originated in England
during the late 19th century, where it was played as an after-dinner parlor game among
the English upper class. It evolved from various indoor lawn tennis games and became
more popular as a leisure activity.
2. David Foster: In the late 19th century, David Foster, an English sports enthusiast,
created a version of table tennis that used a row of books as a net, and a golf ball or cork
as a ball. This early version of the game laid the foundation for the development of
modern table tennis.
3. James Devonshire: James Devonshire, an Englishman, is credited with patenting a table
tennis game in 1890. His version featured a row of corks as a net and small paddle-like
bats. While his patent didn't gain widespread recognition, it contributed to the evolution
of the game.
4. E.C. Goode: In 1901, E.C. Goode, an Englishman, patented a similar table tennis game
called "Ping Pong." This version featured a celluloid ball and a paddle with a rubber
surface, similar to modern table tennis equipment. The name "Ping Pong" became
associated with the game and was later trademarked by Parker Brothers in the United
States.
5. Ivor Montagu and Jack Carrington: Ivor Montagu, a British diplomat, and Jack
Carrington, an English table tennis enthusiast, played significant roles in organizing and
standardizing the rules of table tennis. They founded the International Table Tennis
Federation (ITTF) in 1926, which helped establish uniform regulations for the sport and
promote its global growth.
While no single individual can be credited as the sole creator of table tennis, these figures played
pivotal roles in shaping the game into the modern sport enjoyed by millions worldwide.
HISTORY OF TABLE TENNIS
Table tennis has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, with early
versions being created by the English upper class. The term "Ping Pong" emerged
in 1901, featuring a celluloid ball and rubber paddle. The International Table
Tennis Federation (ITTF) was founded in 1926 to standardize rules and equipment.
In 1988, table tennis was recognized as an Olympic sport, featuring singles and
doubles events for men and women. Today, the sport is enjoyed by millions of
recreational and competitive players of all ages and skill levels. The sport's
inclusion in the Olympics has further elevated its profile and popularity worldwide.
EQUIPMENT HISTORY
It was in England, in the late 19th century, that table tennis made its appearance.
Taking inspiration from lawn tennis, the first players belonged to middle-class
Victorian society. The first game would have been played using a champagne cork
as a ball, cigar boxes as bats and books for the net.
VARIANTS
Ping Pong Diplomacy: This variant gained fame during the Cold War era when it was used
as a tool for diplomacy between China and the United States. It involves friendly matches
between players from different countries as a means of fostering diplomatic relations.
Para Table Tennis: Adapted for players with physical disabilities, para table tennis follows
similar rules to conventional table tennis but with modifications to accommodate different
abilities. It's played in various categories based on the nature and extent of the disability.
Speed Table Tennis: In this variant, the focus is on speed and reflexes. Players use smaller
paddles and play on a smaller table, increasing the pace of the game and challenging players'
reaction times.
Mini Table Tennis: Also known as "mini ping pong" or "micro table tennis," this variant is
played on a much smaller table, often in confined spaces. It requires precise control and quick
reflexes due to the reduced playing area.
Doubles Table Tennis: While not a separate variant, doubles table tennis involves teams of
two players on each side of the table, adding a collaborative element to the game. Doubles
matches require communication, coordination, and strategic teamwork.
Round Table Tennis: Played on a circular table instead of the traditional rectangular one,
round table tennis introduces a unique challenge as players must adjust their angles and
positioning to account for the table's shape.
Hard bat Table Tennis: In contrast to the modern sponge-rubber paddles used in
conventional table tennis, hard bat table tennis utilizes traditional paddles with a layer of pimpled
rubber. This variant emphasizes control and placement over power, harkening back to the sport's
earlier days.
PARTICIPANTS
In table tennis, participants primarily include players, coaches, and spectators. Players compete
either individually or in pairs, showcasing agility, skill, and strategic prowess. Coaches offer
guidance and support, while spectators contribute to the atmosphere with their enthusiasm and
support for the players.
EQUIPMENTS
Table: The table is a rectangular surface divided by a net and is the central playing area for
table tennis matches. It must meet specific dimensions and specifications set by the International
Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).
Net and Posts: The net divides the table into two halves vertically, and it's supported by posts
at each end. The net height and tension are regulated by the ITTF.
Racket (or Paddle): Rackets, also known as paddles or bats, are used by players to hit the
ball. They consist of a blade (wooden base) and two rubber sheets affixed to both sides. Rackets
come in various styles, sizes, and weights to suit different playing styles.
Ball: Table tennis balls are small, lightweight spheres typically made of celluloid or plastic.
They must meet specific size (40mm diameter) and weight standards set by the ITTF.
Clothing: Players usually wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows for freedom of
movement. While there are no strict rules regarding attire, players often opt for lightweight and
moisture-wicking fabrics.
Shoes: Proper footwear is essential for stability and agility on the table tennis court. Table
tennis shoes have non-marking soles and provide good grip to allow players to move quickly and
change direction smoothly.
Table Tennis Robot: Advanced players may use table tennis robots for solo practice. These
machines are designed to feed balls at varying speeds, spins, and trajectories, allowing players to
work on specific shots and techniques.
Table Cover: To protect the table from dust, dirt, and damage when not in use, players often
use a table cover or case.
Grip Tape: Some players use grip tape on the handle of their racket to enhance grip and
control during play.
Scoreboard: In competitive matches, a scoreboard or scorekeeping system is used to track
points and game progress.
PLAYING AREA
The playing area for table tennis consists of a rectangular table divided by a net, with dimensions
of 2.74 meters (9 feet) in length, 1.525 meters (5 feet) in width, and 76 centimeters (2.5 feet) in
height. The net stands 15.25 centimeters (6 inches) above the playing surface and stretches
across the width of the table. Players require ample space around the table, typically at least 3
meters (9.8 feet) behind each end and 2 meters (6.6 feet) to each side, to move freely during
matches.
MATCH DURATION
In table tennis, the duration of a match can vary depending on the format and level of play.
Generally, matches are played as best-of series, where players or teams compete to win a
predetermined number of games.
In standard international competitions and professional matches, table tennis matches typically
follow a best-of-5 or best-of-7 format, where the first player or team to win three or four games
respectively is declared the winner of the match. Each game is played to 11 points, and a player
must win by a margin of at least two points.
The duration of individual games can vary based on factors such as the players' skill level,
playing style, and competitiveness. A single game can range from a few minutes to over 20
minutes, depending on the length of rallies, the pace of play, and the strategies employed by the
players.
SCORING
A match is played best 3 of 5 games. For each game, the first player to
reach 11 points wins that game, however a game must be won by at least
a two point margin. A point is scored after each ball is put into play. The
edges of the table are part of the legal table surface, but not the sides.