Ridiculous History The Ridiculous History of Ping Pong
Jan 28, 2026
They trace ping pong from Victorian parlor games to the birth of organized table tennis. The evolution of equipment and radical racket innovations get lively attention. They explore speed glue controversies and efforts to make matches spectator friendly. The rise of Asian powerhouses and ping pong diplomacy also feature in the conversation.
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Parlor Tennis Became Table Tennis
- Modern table tennis evolved from 19th-century British parlor games that miniaturized lawn tennis for indoor play.
- David Foster patented parlor table tennis in 1890 and published formal rules that shaped the sport's early structure.
Celluloid Ball Changed The Game
- Early equipment used corks, parchment and cloth-covered balls before celluloid balls standardized play.
- James Gibb introduced the lighter celluloid ball after returning from the U.S., which made the game zippier.
Stick To Official Serving Rules
- Follow established table tennis rules: play to 11, win by two, and alternate serves every two points.
- Ensure legal serves by tossing the ball six inches from an open palm and letting it bounce on both sides.
