.: Table Tennis
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Table Tennis originated in the 1880s in England.
At the time it was an amusement for upperclass Victorians rather than the sport that it is turned into in current times.
Surprisingly enough, table tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world, with more people playing it than most other sports.
It is particularly popular in China, Japan and Korea.
As the popularity of table tennis grew, more more manufacturers started making equipment that became increasingly sophisticated.
Many people know table tennis by the name of ping-pong which was a phrase coined from the sound of the original paddles as they hit the ball.
The name ping-pong was later trade marked by an English manufacturer and the game of ping-pong was specifically for people who used that manufacturers equipment.
All other games were still called table tennis.
While the original paddles were made from parchment stretched over a frame, they were later developed into wooden blades with stippled rubber glued to them.
Another major development is the change to lightweight celluloid balls that were discovered in the United States.
The other major change that occurred was in the 1950s, when rackets gained an underlying sheet of sponge which dramatically changed the way the game was played.
This allowed for a much faster game and the ability to spin the ball.
In 1988, table tennis was introduced as a sport into the Olympics.
With the increasing popularity the International Table Tennis Federation decided to slow the sport down to make it more spectator friendly.
This was achieved by increasing the size of the balls from 30mm to 40 mm.
There are ongoing developments in the sport, and in some instances people are using a 44 mm ball to slow the game down yet again.
There's also a push by some people to return to the origins of the sport by using hardbat table tennis rackets.
Whether this gains in popularity is yet to be seen, but many people are finding it difficult to keep up the speed of the sport both as spectators and as participants.
Article keywords: table tennis, ping pong, sports, pastimes, hobbies
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
Graeme Ramsey is a freelance writer on many different subjects. Table Tennis
.: New Tennis Articles
1). The Search For The Next British Champion Of Wimbledon
The latest Wimbledon tennis championships are nearly upon us and many people in the British Isles are wondering when and where the next home grown player is going to win the tournament. In this article I look at some of our hopes for this year and the future.
This is the first season in about the last ten when I feel that there is basically no chance of a British born player winning Wimbledon this year.
2). French Open Preview: Nadal Will Slay The Clay Again
The second Grand Slam tournament of the 2006 tennis season has arrived, as the French Open begins Sunday in Paris.
The French Open is the crown jewel of the clay court season, and the top players in the world have gathered to test their skills and patience on the slow, red clay of Stade Roland Garros.
Here is a look at the title contenders, sleepers and long shots in the men's and women's draws.
3). What Is Ping Pong?
Table tennis is a sport where two players hit a ball back and forth to each other, with a racket on a table, in a manner similar to tennis. The rules are slightly different, but the concept is essentially the same. Table tennis is an Olympic sport, "ping-pong" is the recreational version of the same sport. Spin, speed and strategy play an important part in competitive table tennis matches.
4). Table Tennis - Importance Of Good Footwork!
One of the most frustrating experiences in Table Tennis can be playing someone who imitates a wall and sends every ball you hit right back at you!
Aggressive blockers must be handled with care, since any lapses in concentration on your part will be swiftly punished with lightning counter-attacks. You can't afford to let up against these guys at all - you must stick to your game plan at all costs.
5). Federer for the record!
On his eight major event, Federer reached the semifinals and he just needs two more wins at the French Open to surpass the record set by Rod Laver in 1969 who won 4 consecutive majors.
Federer declared that at the beginning of the tournament he had a big pressure but now he is more relaxed and he is just waiting for the final against Rafael Nadal. They both were on the Monte Carlo and Rome finals this year.
6). Table Tennis
Table Tennis originated in the 1880s in England.
At the time it was an amusement for upperclass Victorians rather than the sport that it is turned into in current times.
Surprisingly enough, table tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world, with more people playing it than most other sports.
It is particularly popular in China, Japan and Korea.
7). A British Winner at Wimbledon, what are the odds?
So, we near the time of ear when All England asks: What are the hopes of a British winner at Wimbledon this year? And, of course, the answer would normally be none but this year could just be different. Really? Who? Not Tim Henman, surely Andy Murray is too young and Greg Rusedski couldn’t win a Seniors event let alone a Grand Slam. No, he’s called Novak Djokovic, the rising star and World No.
.: Top Tennis Articles
1). Choosing The Right Strings For Your Tennis Racquets
While most people understand that playing tennis with a proper racket is of the utmost importance, few realize that they should also place emphasis on the strings that their racket is made of. In this article, we'll discuss some tips for helping you to make the right choice when it comes to selecting strings for your racket.
To understand what strings are right for you, you need to understand some of the physical aspects of the string.
2). Tennis Champions: Are They Born? Or Made?
John Newcombe, former world tennis No 1 and former Australian Davis Cup captain, once said that the top Australian players of his era believed that it was their destiny to become tennis champions.
Boris Becker told me that two weeks before achieving his first Wimbledon title (in 1985 when seventeen years old), he felt as if it were predetermined.
As.
3). The Attacking player, how hard is it to be like Federer?
Tennis has all variables in the spectrum of skills, tactics and strategies. In the rainbow of possibilities the attack stands out as one of the most interesting ones to me.
After long years of playing the game myself, observing others play and teaching, I am lead to believe that you can not teach the attack nor be an attacker if your personality does not match it.
4). Federer for the record!
On his eight major event, Federer reached the semifinals and he just needs two more wins at the French Open to surpass the record set by Rod Laver in 1969 who won 4 consecutive majors.
Federer declared that at the beginning of the tournament he had a big pressure but now he is more relaxed and he is just waiting for the final against Rafael Nadal. They both were on the Monte Carlo and Rome finals this year.
5). Rafael Nadal – The New Tennis Star
Sometimes referred to as ‘Rafa,’ Rafael Nadal is a native of Spain who has made a large impact in the world of tennis. Born June 3, 1986 in Manacor, Mallorca, Rafael Nadal is the son of Sebastian and Ana Maria Nadal. His sister, Maria Isabel, is five years younger than Rafael and is his only sibling. Standing 6'1" and weighing 178 lbs, Rafael Nadal became a professional tennis player in 2001 after having played since 4 years of age.
6). Tennis Psychology – The foundation of winning tennis
The field of tennis psychology is not just common advice and tactical or mental tips. It is based on general and sports psychology and then applied to tennis specifically.
There are many common elements in the psychology of tennis which can be found in other sports too. An athlete that wants to perform at his peak needs to learn:
1. How to refocus
Many.
7). Does faster mean better in Tennis? (Part I)
The impression I have from many TV commentators and almost every tennis expert that I have read or listened to, is that they all seem to be in awe on how fast the game of tennis today is. Everyone seems convinced that players of the past played slower games and therefore could not cope with today's fast game. Is it true that power and power alone and faster means better in Tennis? I dare challenge everyone to think twice.