Last Updated on October 12, 2024 by Sorin Petroj
Since its humble beginnings as a Victorian parlor game, table tennis has come a long way. There was a time when players used cigar boxes for paddles and champagne corks as balls!
Fast-forward to today, and table tennis has become an Olympic sport played by millions worldwide. The game has gained widespread prominence with its high-speed rallies and intense competition.
You must be wondering, what fueled this transformation? The evolution of three crucial elements: the ball, the rackets, and the rules. These changes have made it faster, more competitive, and thrilling for both players and spectators.
Let’s examine how these key factors have shaped the sport we love today.
Historical Background of Table Tennis (1950-2020)
1950s: Table tennis’s popularity increased significantly in the 1950s due to the development of new equipment. Sponge rubber paddles and celluloid balls were introduced that made the game faster and thrilling to watch.
1960s: In the 1960s, players began using a new technique known as “looping.” This technique involves hitting the ball with a closed racket. This caused the ball to spin and curve in the air, making it more difficult for opponents to return. This technique revolutionized the game to a thrilling level and made it even more exciting to watch.
1970s: In the 1970s, the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) introduced a new rule. The players were to serve the ball from an open palm rather than hiding it behind their paddle. This rule made the game fairer and reduced some players’ advantage in serving.
1980s: In the 1980s, the ITTF introduced a new ball that was larger and slower. This change was made to increase the length of rallies and make the game more spectator-friendly. Players made use of the latest techniques, such as the backhand loop. This technique involved hitting the ball with a closed racket on the backhand side, causing the ball to spin and curve.
1990s: In the 1990s, table tennis continued to evolve, with players using faster and more spin-oriented shots. The ITTF also introduced a new scoring system: matches were played to 11 points instead of 21.
2000s: In the 2000s, table tennis saw the rise of players from countries such as China, who dominated the sport with their quick reflexes and precise footwork. The ITTF also introduced new equipment regulations. They ensure the thickness and size of paddles to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage.
The 2010s: In the 2010s, table tennis continued to evolve, with players using even faster and more spin-oriented shots. The game also became more popular with tournaments and leagues being held worldwide. Additionally, new technology such as digital scoreboards and video replay systems enhance the spectator experience.
2020s:Presently, table tennis continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. The players are using advanced techniques and equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacted the sport, with many tournaments being canceled or postponed.
The Ball: From Champagne Corks to High-Tech Plastic
The earliest version of table tennis was a casual after-dinner activity, often played with a champagne cork as a ball.
As the sport grew, the ball became more standardized, and celluloid balls were introduced in the early 1900s, improving speed and bounce.
A Major Shift: The Ball Size Change
One of the most significant changes came in 2000 when the ball’s diameter was increased from 38mm to 40mm. This shift was introduced to slow the fast-paced game and make it more viewer-friendly for spectators and TV audiences.
The larger ball also led to longer rallies, allowing players to showcase their skills and creating more exciting matches.
The Plastic Era
In 2016, the sport saw another significant change when the ITTF replaced celluloid balls with plastic ones. This transition was made to ensure the safety and sustainability of equipment.
The plastic ball behaved slightly differently; it was less bouncy and more durable, further impacting gameplay and tactics.
Players had to adapt quickly to the differences of the new ball, making the sport even more dynamic.
The Rackets: From Hardbats to Spin Machines
The racket has undergone one of the most significant evolutions in table tennis. Early versions, known as “hardbats,” had wooden paddles covered with pimpled rubber, making it challenging to generate spin.
Players had to rely on defensive tactics, focusing on precision and placement rather than speed.
European Domination & Hard Bat Era (1920-1950)
The difference between the “hardbat” and the later racket is in the racket itself, making a big difference in its dynamics and strategy.
Classic “hardbat” rackets are slower and use external “pips” without sponges. It is harder to turn, and it is harder to perform the ball’s rotation. Table tennis players played more on clean balls and strong shots.
The Sponge Revolution (1950s)
In the 1950s, sponge rubber paddles were introduced, revolutionizing the game by allowing players to add more spin and speed to their shots.
This era saw the rise of the “looping” technique, where the ball is hit with a closed racket, generating heavy spin that made it harder for opponents to return.
The sponge racket transformed table tennis from a primarily defensive game into one of rapid-fire attacks and thrilling rallies.
Racket Standardization
In 1980, a British player, John Hilton, used different rubbers on each side of his racket. He confused his opponents because he had different ping-pong rubbers with the same colors on both sides. Opponents needed help to recognize which was defensive and which was offensive rubber.
Therefore, he surprised all the opponents by using different ball strokes. Because of Hilton, the table tennis authorities had to change the rules.
This ITTF introduced the two-color rule, where each racket had one red and one black side to clarify which rubber was being used—one for offensive play and the other for defense.
However, this rule change ensured fair play and leveled the playing field, making matches more competitive and exciting. The ping-pong table dimensions remain the same.
This made it clear to the opponent which rubber was anti spin and which was offensive, and thus, players achieved a higher fair play.
The Rules: Evolving for Fairness and Spectators
The rules of table tennis have been continuously refined to enhance fairness and entertainment value.
Early on, the game was slow-paced, with players using tactics that focused on defensive rallies. However, rule changes have consistently pushed the sport toward more aggressive, fast-paced play.
The rules changed in 1937. The net dropped to 15 inches (15.24 cm), encouraging a more aggressive game.
Thus, the players became more focused on attacking instead of keeping the ball on the table and waiting for the opponent’s mistake. Then, the ITTF introduced time limits for the duration of matches.
I will single out a few more important rules, which is why they are briefly written here. As a reminder for today’s players, it will help them further play and enjoy this beautiful sport.
Introduction of two-color rackets
Each racket must have one red and one black rubber for the opponent to distinguish the rubber type with which you hit the ball.
For example, if a player has an anti-spin rubber on one side that slows down the game and gives the ball an entirely different effect when hitting, you can see that.
While the rubbers on both sides were the same color, you couldn’t recognize the difference. That was an unfair advantage for all the players since then.
The Scoring System
This has changed throughout the history of table tennis. The first change was in 2001 when the number of sets to win and points to one set changed.
Many years ago, table tennis players played 21 points and five consecutive serves from one player. At the tie break (20:20), each player had one serve until someone won by two points.
Then, it was necessary to win two sets to win (best 2 of 3 games). The ITTF changed the rules in 2001 and introduced a set of up to 11 points, with each player having two serves in a row and the tie break now at 10:10.
For more significant competitions, players must play best 3 of 5 (with 3 sets won) or best 4 of 7 (with 4 sets won).
Change In Serve Rules
In 2003, ITTF adopted rules removing the non-racquet-holding hand to allow the opponent to see the entire wrist movement.
Before that, players could “hide” the serve by covering the racquet-holding hand during the ball’s contact. The ball must also be thrown straight up at least 16cm with an open hand. Another player couldn’t read the rotation when the ball was on the opponent’s half.
Note: With these rules, a lot has generally changed in most players’ games. And somehow, players achieved more extraordinary fair play because the players who had excellent serves and managed to hide the serve had a considerable advantage even though they were equal to their opponents.
Other Significant Changes in The History of Table Tennis
Table tennis has undergone another transformation in recent years as players have begun using new techniques and equipment.
One of the most significant changes has been using the backhand loop, which involves hitting the ball with a closed racket on the backhand side, causing the ball to spin and curve. This new technique has made the game even faster and more challenging for opponents.
The equipment used in table tennis has also evolved. Players now use specialized paddles and balls designed to increase spin and speed. The table itself has also changed, with modern tables designed to be more durable and withstand the rigors of professional play.
The Modern Game: Where Are We Now?
In 1988, for the first time in its history, ITTF adopted several essential game rules.
The International Table Tennis Federation increased the size of the ball to 40 mm due to the speed of the game.
Players worldwide have increased the speed of their shots so much. Due to the popularity of sports and television, the ball’s diameter is increasing to slow down the game and make table tennis more beautiful for the audience.
This happened in 2000, and the following year, another rule appeared.
The winning set moves from 21 points to 11. A scoring system has changed; since then, three sets have been won, even in big competitions, and players need four sets of up to 11 points to win the match.
Today, table tennis is a fast, high-intensity sport that requires incredible agility, quick reflexes, and strategic thinking. Advances in technology, such as digital scoreboards and video replays, have further enhanced the spectator experience, making the sport more popular than ever.
The evolution of the ball, rackets, and rules continues to push the boundaries of what players can achieve, keeping the game fresh and exciting.
Conclusion: A Sport Driven by Innovation
Table tennis has a long and rich history. It began as a game played using a champagne cork as a ball, cigar boxes as bats, and books for the net.
The game was known by several titles when it first began, but it eventually became known as table tennis. Initially, the game was considered a mere distraction for the wealthy classes but eventually became an official sport.
Table tennis has evolved from adjustments in ball size to advancements in racket materials and the change of rules. These changes have resulted in the fast-paced, exhilarating sport we know today.
One thing has remained unchanged during the evolution period: the commitment to fair play, excitement, and skill mastery.