Is There a Big Difference Between Ping Pong and Tennis?
Among the top indoor sports is ping-pong/table tennis. Commentators use the names interchangeably, so it does not matter how you describe the sport. Surprisingly, in informal circles, the joke is ping-pong is for the basement while table tennis is a mainstream sport. While this notion is misleading, the name table tennis seems to be more of a status thing. Here’s to read more about Ping Pong.
History of Ping Pong
Surprisingly, the sport started out on the floor rather than the table we are accustomed to. The first commercial retail of the sporting kit involved a lawn tennis type green miniature court that can be laid on the floor. Accompanying the court are miniature racquets. A decade later, another English company registered an indoor type of the game played using racquets and rubber balls. Just before the start of the 20th century, the name Ping-Pong replaced Gossima because of the bouncing sound arising from the balls.
How did Ping Pong get Popular?
The popularity of the game exploded as technology progressed. For instance, the introduction of the celluloid balls improved the sporting quality. The nature of the material in the previous rubber balls made long volleys difficult. This resulted in hollow plastic balls which were much easier to command control over during play. A large English company registered the Ping-Pong trademark internationally except in the United States. Later on, another company got the United States trademark and arrived with the Table Tennis name to differentiate from the other sport. It is argued that the Trademark claims are what resulted in the name split between tennis and Ping-Pong.
How to Play the Sport
The basis for playing the sport is mastering the basic strokes. Begin by observing a table tennis match and view the wrist adjustments. A firm foundation in the basics of table tennis will expose you to advanced techniques used by elite players. At first, you will learn how to serve. Then you must have the right power to stroke the ball and maximize output. Once you turn into a pro, you can learn new tactics like performing a magical spin.
Ping Pong versus Table Tennis Today
Today the sport has split between two camps – the severe and recreational players. The recreational players are not too worried about how they call the sport. Their focus is more on the fun recreational aspect of the sport. As for those who play it in pro, the sport is referred to as table tennis and viewed entirely as a sport. Any reference to the sport as Ping-Pong might draw ire from the pros as they associate it with basement play. They believe the name table tennis should remain exclusive and elitist. However, in China, the name Ping-Pong is still widely popular.
Conclusion
Generally, the masses do not mind about the name but rather the recreational aspect. In most official cases, people refer to the sport like table tennis. By official, the reference is to table tennis clubs or tournaments. That way you might not offend some of the serious players who consider Ping-Pong as a referral to amateur players.…