table tennis

Table of Contents

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

Dimensions of the ball and playing surface in table tennis.

Study how to execute a downward graze to impart backspin with a table tennis backhand chop

Observe the open racket face required to execute a forehand chop in table tennis

Notice how the table tennis player drives through the shot to achieve spin over speed

Study how the table tennis player imparts topspin by brushing the ball's upper half with a closed racket face

Study the psychomotor coordination required to execute a successful table tennis serve

For Students

table tennis summary

table tennis: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: May 29, 2025

Facts

Also Known As	Ping-Pong

Photos and Videos

Dimensions of the ball and playing surface in table tennis.

Study how to execute a downward graze to impart backspin with a table tennis backhand chop

Observe the open racket face required to execute a forehand chop in table tennis

Notice how the table tennis player drives through the shot to achieve spin over speed

Study how the table tennis player imparts topspin by brushing the ball's upper half with a closed racket face

Study the psychomotor coordination required to execute a successful table tennis serve

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Topics

finger spinning Olympic Games Summer Olympic Games sports baseball boxing golf American football football cricket rugby basketball tennis ice hockey

Key People

Deng Yaping

Chinese table tennis player

Assorted sports balls including a basketball, football, soccer ball, tennis ball, baseball and others.

American Sports Nicknames