Here is the key difference between these two sports. As the name suggests the two games are very much different in all aspects. Tennis and table tennis, also known as ping pong are similar in that both the games involve hitting a ball back and forth over a net.
Tennis is a sport that is played by two or four players on a rectangular court. The players use rackets to hit a ball in back and forth direction over a net that is placed across the centre of the court.
Table tennis, also known as ping pong is a sport that is played by two or four players on a hard, flat table. The players use small rackets to hit a lightweight ball back which feels like plastic.
Key differences between Tennis and Table Tennis:
| Tennis | Table Tennis | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of ball | Larger, heavier ball made of rubber | Smaller, lighter ball made of celluloid or plastic |
| Court surface | Grass, clay, or hard court | Hard, flat table |
| Rackets | Larger, heavier rackets | Smaller, lighter rackets |
| Net | Higher and wider than table tennis net | Same height as table |
| Number of players | 2 or 4 (singles or doubles) | 2 or 4 players |
| Scoring | Points scored on every serve | Only one serve per point |
| Winning score | First to reach 4 points with a 2 point advantage | First to reach 11 points with a 2 point advantage |