Brief History
The sport had its origins as a parlour game in England from the 1880’s, and following the ping pong craze of the turn of the century, revived in England in the early 1920’s with the Table Tennis Association forming in 1922 and an 'English' (ETTA) prefix being added in 1927.  The ITTF was formed in 1926, in which year the first world championships were held in London.

Facilities and Equipment
At a basic level table tennis is easy to set up, space efficient (4 tables can fit into a badminton hall), versatile (can be played almost anywhere, and on modified tables if necessary), non-weather dependent (except when played outdoors!), and equipment (tables, nets, bats and balls) is relatively inexpensive.  Normal sporting/PE kit (preferably dark coloured) and light soled sports shoes or trainers are appropriate.  However, at a higher level there are specific requirements regarding size of hall, lighting, flooring etc. according to the level of competition, and better players demand higher quality equipment and clothing.

Benefits of Participating
Easy to learn at a basic level, table tennis is a 'Sport for all' and a 'Sport for life' — anyone can play and continue to play.  It is an enjoyable, safe, healthy sport, particularly good for developing alertness and co ordination.  The physical, mental and skill demands are much greater at a higher standard.

Variations of the Sport
Table Tennis can be played in singles and doubles, and although games have traditionally been up to 21 points, games up to 11 are becoming more common.  Normally teams have 3 or 4 members, but 2-a-side leagues are becoming more popular.    Shorter and smaller tables have be produced for very young children, and Polybat has been adapted from table tennis for severely physically disabled.