Introduction:
One of the most famous tables Olympic games, Table Tennis is a sport that is called Ping Pong and Whiff Whaff in some countries. However, Ping Pong is the trademark name for table tennis and the tools in an association. It is a type of game played indoors or outdoors in different variations. But if you intend to play Table Tennis outdoors as a recreational sport then you need to choose a good weather day and also the right type of table tennis for the outdoor setups. The aim of the play is to score higher than half of your opponent’s points. A tiny non-weighty ball is hit with a bat to the opponent’s side back and forth. Check this related article, Best Table Tennis Conversion Top.
Let’s have a look at the antiquity of Table Tennis!
If we trace back to the early 1880s the Victorians from Victorian England used to play Table Tennis for killing their time enjoying after their dinner. Objects from the daily use were used such as books as a net, for the ball they used to knot a string, and the lid covering the box of the cigar as a bat. After knowing about all the equipment, the manufacturers started selling them commercially. Read about, Best Ping Pong Balls.
If we go back to the 1880s we will see that the evolution of table tennis started when game makers were trying to bring out some indoor versions of tennis.
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Why did people start calling table tennis Ping Pong? Well, it is way interesting to know that the sound that the ball made while playing made this game to be called Ping Pong. The manufacturers used to use this name for selling the equipment. When the 20th century set in, balls made up of celluloid and paddles were introduced to the game. It was 1927 when the first World Championship was held by London. Table tennis got its space in the Olympic sport in the year 1988. It is now one of the dominant sport in the countries of Asia like; China and Korea.
Ping Pong VS Table Tennis
In the 1890s when the game set in, many of the trademarked names started being used in the market. In the 1920s when an English sports company John Jaques And Son became the leader of the market, that was the time when they started calling it ‘Ping Pong’. They made it clear that their trademarked name would only be used commercially when their company’s equipment would be made specified.
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So by the time when several ping pong tournaments were set out, they legally threatened everybody not to use their trademarked name until their equipment was specified to be used. Hence, another name was needed to be used alternatively for this international sport, so, the name ‘Table tennis’ was chosen. Since the day after the establishment of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) in 1926, the game was known as Table Tennis.
The Standard Size and Shape of the Ping Pong Table
If you are looking for a good size table tennis setting for your room, then you must have an idea regarding the standard size of the Ping Pong table that is approximately 2.74 meters lengthwise or 8 feet 9 inches. Widthwise it comes in 1.525m (5 feet). According to the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), the playing area of the Ping Pong table should not be less than 14 meters in length. 7 meters in width and should have a height of 5 meters. This is certainly a big amount of space but you need to get this that these measurements are for the professional setups where those professional players play their strong shots. Also, read Joola Vs Stiga.
For the beginners and those who like to play it as a hobby, we would recommend going for the size around 22ft x 11ft. This too would seem way large that can home in a wide big room to have some challenging shots to play. So you would need a space of 11ft in your room to place a game of full-size table tennis.
Minimum space required for Ping Pong Table at Home
You need to have a space of about 17 to 18 feet in a room to play Table Tennis at home. It is definitely less amount of space if you are dreaming to develop your skills for shots. Because obviously, you will not be able to swing your hands to make a good hit upon certain shots and you will not be able to elevate your skills. But it will work absolutely fine to have this much of the space if you get it for children or for the individuals who play it as their hobby
The Game
Table Tennis or Ping Pong is played by two players we call it singles or can also be played by four players that we call doubles. In this game, the players hit a small light in a weighted ball having a diameter of 40mm. the ball is usually made up of plastic or celluloid that upon hitting move back and forth. This lightweight ball is hit in a way that it should go across the net anchored in the middle to the opponent. The ball is hit with a wooden racket called a table tennis racket. This racket is covered with rubber.
Aim Of The Game
Scoring 11 points before your opponent would score is the aim of the game. If both sides of the parties scored 10 points each, that is if the score becomes tied 10, then the winner would be the one who would score 2 at first either in singles or doubles. The match comprises scoring the best odd number of games. The ball is hit by the players in to and fro all across the net. A skillful player hits the ball in different spins which decreases the chances for the opponents to return the ball. The ball should bounce once before reaching the opponent’s side. A player loses a point when he fails to return the ball to the other side according to the rule of the game.
International Table Tennis Federation
In 1926, The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was established. This federation regulates table tennis as a sport. The headquarters of the International Table Tennis Federation is situated in Switzerland. Players from China are dominating table tennis as a world game and has made its name in Europe.
HOW TO CLEAN A PING PONG TABLE
Why Clean Your Ping Pong Table?
For cosmetic purposes you may want to keep your Ping Pong table or table tennis clean and tidy, making sure that does not have any stain or spill that needs to be sponged off. Apart from the cleanliness aspect, you should consider cleaning your ping pong table for several other reasons as well.
- A dirty and dusty table will affect the gameplay, because not only the ball will spin correctly on its surface but also it will not bounce right.
- While the ball bounces on a dusty table it transfers the dust from one side to the other side of the table. The dirt and the dust will get transferred on the paddles and will make it lose the tackiness it has as a result it affects the spin.
- If you will keep your ping pong table neat and clean, it will last longer and look attractive. It will also help in preserving its worth and life. So that if you intend to sell it someday it will get you a good price if you will keep its condition sustain better.
- If you have your ping pong table uncovered in a garage-like area where there are dust and dirt, then you should wipe it down with a damp cloth once a week, or each time you use it.
What To Avoid While Cleaning Ping Pong Table?
You should take care of the surface of the table while cleaning your Pong Pong table. That means;
- Nit to use harsh cleansers because that goes aggressive on the surface of the table tennis. There are certain cleaners manufactured for the ping pong tables that you should use.
- Be careful while you use a damp cloth while cleaning the surface of your Ping Pong table, the cloth should not be too wet. If you have kept your Ping Pong table indoor then really wet cloth on its surface can ruin it. Even if it is designed in such a way that you can keep it outdoor, you need to avoid its exposure to excessive moisture. Tables designed for indoor use are made up of wood that is susceptible to absorb moisture causes deformation of its shape.
- If you cannot get a cleanser specially formulated for the Ping Pong tables, then you can hit upon a DIY thing to clean your table; you can use a solution of vinegar for cleaning the net of the Ping Pong table. Now place the fabric part of the net in this vinegar solution in any container and soak it till you clean the table. When you are done cleaning the table, take out the net of the container, rinse it underwater, and let it dry for half an hour.
How to Keep A Ping Pong Table Clean?
While your Ping Pong table is not in use, you should cover it with a cloth, it will help in preserving its life and will protect it from dust and dirt especially when a Ping Pong table is kept in an unfinished room like a garage, basement, etc.
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If you observe that the table got dirty, sweaty during the time of the match then clean it with a cloth right after you are done playing so that it will be easier for you to use it the next time. These tips and steps for cleaning up your Ping Pong Table must look tricky but all it takes is few minutes to clean the whole Ping Pong Table.
How Playing Table Tennis Good For Fitness?
Now let’s have a look at some benefits of playing Table Tennis or Ping Pong on our health and fitness. Playing Table Tennis possesses several good health and fitness advantages. Playing Table Tennis can be one of the good ways to sustain your fitness. It is all okay if you make time to go to the gym, lift weights, and attend workout sessions, but one can find it a little boring if you work out on your own. If you do this all-around your Table Tennis I am sure that you will attain your overall strength and fitness. Playing Ping Pong can provide strength to your brain and enjoyment if played with a company.
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Playing Ping Pong is an alternative way to stay fit and lose some kilograms of your weight. Those who are tired of those same work out regimes that have made them go boring must need to add playing Ping Pong in their ‘get fit’ plan. To attain this you have to play Ping Pong for not less than 2 hours per week. Playing it once a week is perfectly fine but if you have got it in your home then consider playing it daily with your friends and family as an exercise routine. Check the 7 Best Ping Pong Paddles for Spin.
There are a lot of benefits of playing table tennis some of them are enlisted;
- It increases the rate of heart
- The reaction time is increased
- Muscles of the leg get toned
- Muscles of the arm get toned
- Muscles of the back get toned
- Helps in losing weight
- Develops mental health
- Improves team play
- Develops focus and coordination
Apart from that, it increases the circulation of blood in your body that helps in attaining your aerobic fitness that is best for muscle endurance. Getting rid of calories is another good deal that supplies energy to the body without the deposition of fats. As said above that it increases the reaction time, which means that it boosts the formation of strategy as table tennis is a fast speed game in nature. You will also get to see improvement in the coordination of your eyes and hands while you return the shots to the opponent.
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The power of muscles and their strength is elevated as both the arm and the feet move during the match. Furthermore when we play the brain and the overall functioning of the body strengthens.
Winding Up The Topic!
Though there is no doubt in it that table tennis or Ping Pong is one of the classic games, holding a rich history. Apart from that, it has got some really impressive advantages that you cannot deny. Playing table tennis is a fully loaded package of enjoyment, recreation, health, and fitness routine.
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