Ping pong, also called table tennis, is a racket sport played on a divided table with small paddles and a lightweight, hollow ball. Players serve and return the ball over a low net, using controlled strokes, spin, and placement to keep rallies going and make returns difficult. The collection centers on the basic equipment and action of play: paddles, the ball, and ping-pong activity. Paddles are commonly called bats in some regions; their flat faces are used to direct the ball and create spin. In standard play, competitors may play singles or doubles, with the same aim of returning the ball so it lands on the opponent's side of the table.