Table Tennis

Table tennis is a fast indoor sport. It is also called ping pong. Players hit a small hollow ball back and forth across a table. A low net runs across the middle of the table. Players use small paddles to hit the ball. The first player to 11 points usually wins a game.

The Equipment

Table tennis needs a special green or blue table. The ball is hollow and weighs almost nothing. Paddles have a wooden handle and rubber on both sides. Different rubber gives the ball spin or speed. Good players pick paddles that match their style.

Fast and Fun

Table tennis is very fast. The ball can fly over 60 miles per hour in top games. Players must stay on their toes and watch the ball closely. Spin is a big part of the game, and the ball can curve in the air. Table tennis became an Olympic sport in 1988.

Fun Facts

• Table tennis started in England over 100 years ago as a game for after dinner.
• The first paddles were books, and the first net was a row of books.
• China has won more table tennis medals than any other country.

Did You Know?

A table tennis ball is so light that even a strong breath can move it across the table.