table tennis

Indoor game played on a rectangular table by two or four players. It was developed in Britain in about 1880 and derived from lawn tennis. World championships were first held in 1926.

Play takes place on a table measuring 2.74 m/9 ft long by 1.52 m/5 ft wide, lying flat 2.5 ft/0.76 m above the ground. Across the middle is a 15.25-cm/6-in-high net over which the ball must be hit. The players use small, wooden paddles covered in sponge or rubber. A feature of the game is the amount of spin put on the small plastic ball. Volleying is not allowed. Points are scored by forcing the opponent(s) into an error. The first to score 21 wins the game. A match consists of the best of any odd number of games. In doubles play, the players must hit the ball in strict rotation.