Many Europeans think that Ping Pong originated in West, and they never hesitate in giving the army people the credit for having invented this game, with nothing more a wine cork, a cigar box as the paddle, and a little of their free time to play it. However, this game actually began in the East, where China can be called its mother land.

It is said that the name Ping Pong actually developed form the ancient "Ping- Pang" that China in 7th century used in its dialects. The game was played- as far as the general knowledge goes- by hitting a Chinese dried-up fruit called lichee. The game soon started to broaden its reach to all other surrounding countries, including India and Persia. And eventually, it petered into the west world.

For a very long time, ping pong stayed as the lavish little sport for the rich, and often played at dinners or tea parties. People even called it "Whiff-Whaff" because of the sound the ball made while being hit with rackets made of paper that was stretched tightly over the frames.

But in around 1920s, when this game was on the verge of fading into the pages of lost inventions, some sporting groups decided to give it an official recognition. In 1926, the World Table Tennis Association was formed.

In ping pong, a lot of good reflexes are required, since this game is very fast. The server needs to be careful while serving the ball into play. If he does not clear the net, or serves out, the opponent would score a point. Once however, the ball is in play, either of them have the chance to score. If one player hits the balls and it does not clear the net, the opponent shall score.

The game starts as the player first rests the ball freely on his palm. Then he flings it up six inches higher, and then as it drops, he hits it. But the player needs to make sure that the ball bounces off his side once before it clears the net, and must bounce once again on his opponent’s side of the table before being hit. If this does not happen, the opponent shall score. Once the ball is in play, the players do not need to allow the ball to bounce on their side of the table; they can hit it directly into the opponent’s space.

This way the game continues, until one of them scores a 21. However, if the opponent has less than 2 points, the game continues until a player takes the lead on the opponent buy a definite 2 points and this is when the player becomes the winner!

If you got disappointed thinking that this game is only for singles, you need not worry. You can share your table with another pal of yours. The Ping Pong allows doubles game as well, and this way, you two can beat your way to glory, much to the chagrin of your opposite team!

Ping Pong is a raging sport in the East, especially in Japan and China, and these two different teams always fight neck to neck. But together, they have been able to perfect the game, its rules and techniques. Now, this game has even become one of the favorite sports in the West as well.