Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Table Tennis (Ping Pong)

Table tennis, also known as ping-pong when played recreationally, is a sport that originated in Britain. 

In the early days, table tennis began as a parlor game among the upper class. High-society used to play table tennis after dinner by stacking books at the centre of a table and knocking a golf ball with books across it. 

A row of books would often serve as a net, and players would try to keep a sequence of hits going, much like a rally. This early version of the game was inspired by lawn tennis, mirroring its popularity and equipment among Victorian elites. 

Table tennis today is a fiercely competitive Olympic sport requiring quick player reactions and speed to win matches.

Introduction to table tennis

Table tennis, commonly referred to as ping pong, is a fast-paced international sport enjoyed by millions across the world. 

Played on a rectangular table divided by a net, the game features two or four players who use rackets to hit a lightweight ball back and forth. The primary objective is to score points by causing the opponent to fail to return the ball per the official rules.

 Each rally is a test of speed, precision, and strategy, as players aim to outmanoeuvre their opponents with quick reflexes and clever shot placement. 

As an Olympic sport, table tennis is governed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), which sets the standards for the game and ensures consistency in competitions worldwide. Whether played recreationally or at the highest level, table tennis captivates fans with its dynamic rallies, rapid ball bounces, and the thrill of every point scored.

Table Tennis or Ping-Pong: What is the correct name?

The term “Table Tennis” first appeared at the end of the nineteenth century, while “Ping-Pong” emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century. The names then, are equally historic, depending on which term people preferred.

Today, it seems that the name of the sport is divided into two sets of devotees – the professional players who view it as a competitive sport and call it table tennis and the recreational players, who tend to use the term ping-pong who treat it as a recreational pastime.

It is worth noting that in China, where the game has immense popularity, the phrase “ping-pong” is used not only for professional players but also for recreational games.

History and evolution of table tennis

The origins of table tennis can be traced back to the late 1800s in England, where it began as a parlour game among the upper class. Early versions of the sport were played with makeshift equipment, such as a champagne cork for a ball and books as rackets, and it was affectionately known as “whiff-whaff.” 

As the game evolved, it gained popularity and structure, leading to the publication of the first official rules in 1926.

That same year, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) was established, and London hosted the inaugural World Championships, marking the sport’s transition from a casual pastime to a global competition. Over the decades, table tennis has grown into a major international sport, with players from every continent competing in prestigious tournaments and events. Today, the sport’s rich history is celebrated in every match, as players continue to push the boundaries of skill and athleticism on the world stage.

The aim of playing Table Tennis

The objective of table tennis is to hit the ball over the net to your opponent. The table is divided into two halves by the net, with each half belonging to one player or team. Table tennis matches consist of an odd number of games, with games being won by the first to earn 11 points.

Points are scored by making the ball land on the opponent’s half of the table. Matches are usually the best out of 5 or 7 games. In a 5-game match the first player or team to win three games wins the match, in a 7-game match, players or teams that win four games take the match.

Table tennis can be played by either single players or as a doubles match. Doubles matches are either two male or female players or mixed doubles.

Equipment used in table tennis

Like almost every sport, table tennis requires specific equipment to play. Table tennis equipment includes bats and balls; ‘bat’ is the British term for the racket, while ‘paddle’ is more common in North America.

In addition to the table and net, players use bats to hit the ball. There are different types of balls used in competitions, each with specific size, weight, and material specifications set by governing bodies.

Table tennis racket

Also known as a paddle, a racket is a wooden-based paddle covered in rubber – the rubber part is the area used to hit the ball to opponents. Players often use the other side of the racket, which may have a different type of rubber, to vary spin and speed during play.

Table tennis ball (ping-pong ball)

The light, airy celluloid ball is 40mm in diameter and is struck across the net to opponents. Players often hit the bottom half of the ball to generate backspin or perform chop shots, which affects the ball’s spin and trajectory. 

The outcome of a rally can also depend on where the ball hits the table or the net; for example, if the ball hits the net and lands on the opponent’s side, play continues, but if it hits the edge or fails to clear the net, different rules apply. 

Opponents who fail to return the ball with one bounce will lose a point.

Table tennis table

As the name suggests, table tennis is played on a table 2.74m long, 1.53m wide and 76 cm high. The playing surface must be a uniform, dark-colored, matte material—typically wood or its derivatives—and is required to provide a consistent bounce to ensure fair play. Markings on the table denote where the ball must be played when serving. Ultimately, the ball can be played in a rally across the entire table.

Table tennis net

The net is placed across the table and is 15.25cm high. Failure to hit the ball across the net constitutes a point lost and ultimately is the objective of the game.

Rules and regulations

Table tennis matches are governed by a straightforward set of official rules designed to keep play fair and exciting. Each match is typically played between two players in singles or two teams of two in doubles.

The serving player starts each rally by tossing the ball into the air and striking it so that it bounces once on their side of the table before crossing the net to the opponent’s side. The opponent must then return the ball, and play continues with each player hitting the ball back and forth until one fails to make a legal return.

The first player wins a game to reach 11 points, but if both players reach 10 points, play continues until one player leads by two points. In doubles, the rules require players to alternate hits, adding an extra layer of teamwork and strategy. The simplicity of the scoring system and the clarity of the rules make table tennis accessible to new fans while still offering depth and complexity for seasoned players.

Scoring in table tennis

Each rally in table tennis can result in one point being scored, making every exchange crucial to the game’s outcome. The first game of a match or tournament often sets the tone and can be significant in determining momentum.

Points are won by sides when their opponent fails to return the ball across the net and onto the opponent’s half of the table.

To win a game of table tennis, one side must have at least 11 points and a 2-point lead – so if the game is tied at 10-10 then play continues until one player or team achieves a 2-point lead (12-10 for example).

There are several situations where players and teams obtain points. A few of these are:

If the ball touches anything other than the net before reaching an opponent, a point is awarded to the opponent.

If an opponent fails to return the ball either across the net, or the ball is struck, and it falls off the table.

If the player hits the shot with the wooden part of a racquet and not the rubber part, then the opponent receives a point.

If a player obstructs the ball, a point is awarded to their opponent.

Table tennis play

The game typically begins by deciding who will serve first and who will receive, often determined by a toss or coin toss to ensure fairness. Once decided, the game begins with the serving player.

For a legal serve, the ball must be held on an open palm of the free hand and tossed into the air at least 16 centimetres before being struck by the rubber part of the racket, bouncing once on the server’s side of the court before going over the net to the opposing side. Making contact with the ball at the right moment is crucial for controlling spin, speed, and accuracy in serves and other strokes.

Service alternates between players or teams after a set number of points, regardless of rally winner, much like tennis itself. A Deuce is only played when both players or teams have ten points each. Then each side receives one service each.

Players change table sides at the end of each game. When one player scores five points first, players will still change ends regardless if it is their turn to serve or not.

Types of strokes and spins

Table tennis players rely on a diverse arsenal of strokes and spins to gain the upper hand in matches.

The most fundamental strokes are the forehand and backhand, each allowing players to hit the ball with different angles and power.

Beyond these basics, skilled players use a variety of spins—such as topspin, backspin, and sidespin—to manipulate the ball’s trajectory and bounce.

Topspin causes the ball to dip sharply after crossing the net, while backspin makes it float and stay low, challenging the opponent’s timing and technique. Mastery of these strokes and spins is essential for both offensive and defensive play, as players seek to outwit their opponents and control the pace of the game. The ability to vary spin and placement is what makes table tennis rallies so unpredictable and exciting to watch.

Table tennis terms

As with all sports, there are phrases used when watching the game to describe fouls, play and points gained. A list of the most common terms is listed below:

• Anti-spin − A defensive spin utilised to bamboozle opponents using the pimpled side of the racquet to slow down the spin of an opponent’s play.
• Bit − In technology or data contexts, a bit is the smallest unit of information, representing a small segment within a larger process or system, especially in digital communications.
• Blade − Wooden part of the racquet.
• Crossover − When players change their stroke play from either backhand to forehand.
• Early − When serving the ball a minimum of 16cm in the air, is known as “early.”
• Heavy − Used to describe a big spin.
• Inverted rubber − The smooth side of rubber on a racquet that provides more spin when striking the ball.
• Late − If the ball’s bounce falls slower.
• Loop − A firm stroke that is used to counteract the spin of an incoming ball.
• Loose − A weak return that has insufficient spin or stroke (weak hit) that is easier for opponents to return and play.
• Penhold − A way of holding the racquet, much like holding a pen.
• Pimples (Pips) − The rubber side of the racquet that provides alternative spin effects, unlike inverted rubber.
• Shakehand − The most used way of holding the racquet, similar to how tennis players hold theirs.
• Speed glue − To increase stroke speed, high volatile solvents are used to glue the rubber sponge to the blade.
• Third ball − Simply the third stroke of the game – serve, return, third ball – significant as this is the first clear attacking stroke of a table tennis rally.
• Tight − A combination of spin and a firm stroke that is returned to an opponent.

Competitions in table tennis

Table tennis is a truly global sport, with a packed calendar of competitions that attract the world’s top players.

The Olympic Games and the World Championships are the most prestigious events, drawing international attention and showcasing the highest level of play. The World Cup is another major highlight, featuring elite players in a battle for individual and team glory.

In addition to these marquee events, the ITTF World Tour hosts a series of tournaments throughout the year, providing players with the opportunity to earn ranking points and fans the chance to watch thrilling matches. From local club events to international championships, table tennis competitions are a celebration of skill, speed, and sportsmanship, uniting players and fans from every corner of the globe.

How to bet on table tennis: know the game

With this guide to table tennis, you should have enough to get started watching and having a punt on your first table tennis match. Of course, there is much more to learn, including the grips players use to play offensive and defensive strokes, however after reading this guide you’ll have enough to follow this fast-paced game.

Like the sport itself, table tennis betting is rapid and outcome-driven. Popular markets include:

• Match winner – back the player you think will win outright
• Correct score – predict the final set score (e.g., 3–1 or 4–2)
• Total points (over/under) – forecast the total number of points in a match
• Handicap markets – apply a virtual advantage to even out skill levels
• Set winner – bet on who will win a specific set

Each event, whether it’s singles, doubles, or team competitions, offers unique betting opportunities with different lines and markets to explore. Many players are drawn to these markets, making table tennis betting increasingly popular.

What smart fans consider before betting:

• Playing styles – aggressive vs defensive matchups influence momentum
• Form and rankings – current performance and ITTF standings offer insight
• Head-to-head results – track history between opponents
• Serve/receive dynamics – critical in short, decisive rallies
• Tournament prestige – World Tour events differ greatly from minor competitions

Odds can fluctuate rapidly in live table tennis markets. The betting line for each match is determined based on player statistics and recent form, and various lines are available for different outcomes, including totals, spreads, and correct scores. Underdogs often snatch individual sets, creating windows of opportunity for bettors able to act quickly. Understanding these patterns and the rules that govern play can give you the edge when spotting potential value.

If you’re just starting out, explore reputable betting tipsters who specialise in racket sports. More experienced punters may benefit from using arbitrage betting software to compare lines across sportsbooks and capitalise on price differences.

With its global appeal, lightning pace, and unpredictable swings, table tennis is a thrilling sport to follow—and an exciting one to bet on if you know the game. The amount of wagers placed on table tennis has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting its rising popularity among bettors.