Performance Differences of Temporal Parameters and Point Outcome between Elite Men's and Women's Badminton Players According to Match-Related Contexts

Experimental and Computer Simulation Studies on Badminton Racquet Strings

This study investigates experimentally, numerically, and analytically the performance of different string materials (Kevlar, synthetic gut, natural gut, and polyester) on badminton racquets. Vibration and impact tests with a shuttlecock were performed using a racquet frame made of carbon graphite mixed with epoxy resin. Different string tensions were considered in the tests (20, 22, 24, 28, 30, and 34 lb), as well as different hitting locations on the racquet frame. The results show that, as the diameter of the strings increased, the elasticity of the string decreased from 0.529 to 0.447 for diameters ranging from 0.62 to 0.70 mm. Subsequently, a badminton racquet and shuttlecock were modeled using SolidWorks2018^® software (version 26), and a maximum displacement was applied to the ball to simulate an impact on the string bed. The natural frequency, maximum deformation and maximum stress were calculated analytically, and a finite element analysis was also performed using ANSYS2022 R2^® software (version 22.2). The analytical and numerical results from ANSYS^® showed good agreement (within 5% accuracy). The results of the study show that the natural frequency of a racquet with Kevlar strings was significantly higher than that of racquets with synthetic gut, natural gut, or polyester string materials. Specifically, the natural frequency of a racquet made of carbon graphite and epoxy resin was 23.0%, 30.7%, and 36.2% higher than that of racquets with synthetic gut, natural gut, and polyester string material, respectively. On the basis of this finding, Kevlar was chosen as the preferred material for badminton racquets strings, and a parametric analysis was then conducted. The study showed that slightly lowering the tension of the off-centered strings had a minimal effect on the von Mises stress distribution of the ball and string bed. In addition to investigating string materials, this study also examined the effects of pull and diameter variations of racquet strings on vibrations during impact. This study contributes to the understanding of the role of racquet and strings in badminton, and it also provides new insights into the factors that can affect performance in the sport. By analyzing the performance of different string materials and examining the effects of pull and diameter variations of racquet strings, this study provides valuable information for players and manufacturers looking to optimize their equipment for maximum performance.

How Is the Stroke? Inferring Shot Influence in Badminton Matches via Long Short-Term Dependencies

Identifying significant shots in a rally is important for evaluating players’ performance in badminton matches. While there are several studies that have quantified player performance in other sports, analyzing badminton data has remained untouched. In this article, we introduce a badminton language to fully describe the process of the shot, and propose a deep learning model composed of a novel short-term extractor and a long-term encoder for capturing a shot-by-shot sequence in a badminton rally by framing the problem as predicting a rally result. Our model incorporates an attention mechanism to enable the transparency between the action sequence and the rally result, which is essential for badminton experts to gain interpretable predictions. Experimental evaluation based on a real-world dataset demonstrates that our proposed model outperforms the strong baselines. We also conducted case studies to show the ability to enhance players’ decision-making confidence and to provide advanced insights for coaching, which benefits the badminton analysis community and bridges the gap between the field of badminton and computer science.

A Binary-Entropy Analysis of the Relationship Between Scoring Structure and Match Outcome in Badminton

This study explores the relationship between the scoring structure and the win or loss of a badminton match, while providing quantitative analytic data using binary entropy to determine the uncertainty of said win or loss. Scoring structure data were collected from the official match records of the top 16 events of the World Badminton Championships from 2006 to 2020 (a total of 10 editions) as collection objects (745 matches and 1,734 sets in all) and were analyzed by means of notational analysis. Our entropy analysis showed that the main factor affecting the certainty of win or loss in men's singles, men's doubles and mixed doubles comes from the number of leading points, and in women's singles and women's doubles from whether the current point is closer to the match point. Our binary-entropy analysis based on scoring structure showed that, to maintain high uncertainty so that players stay competitive, the scoring points of two sides should differ in less than 5; in addition, the decisive factors for victory strongly depend on gender, also justifying research results of previous studies.

The Effect of 6-Week Combined Balance and Plyometric Training on Dynamic Balance and Quickness Performance of Elite Badminton Players

The study aimed to investigate the effect of combined balance and plyometric training on dynamic balance and quickness performance of elite badminton athletes. Sixteen elite male badminton players volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to a balance-plyometric group (PB: n = 8) and plyometric group (PT: n = 8). The PB group performed balance combined with plyometric training three times a week over 6 weeks (40 min of plyometrics and 20 min of balance training); while the PT group undertook only plyometric training for the same period (3–4 sets × 8–12 reps for each exercise). Both groups were given the same technical training (badminton techniques for 6 days a week). The dynamic stability and quick movement ability were assessed at baseline and after the intervention by measuring the performance of dynamic posture stability test (DPSI and COP), T-running test and hexagon jump test. The results showed that compared to PT, PB induced significantly greater improvements in F-DPSI, L-DPSI (p = 0.003, 0.025, respectively), F-COPAP, F-COPML, F-COPPL, L-COPPL (p = 0.024, 0.002, 0.029, 0.043, respectively), T-running test and hexagon jump test (p < 0.001). The change in L-DPSI, L-COPAP, L-COPML did not differ between PB and PT (p > 0.907). The findings suggest that combined training holds great promise of improving the dynamic balance and quickness performance in elite badminton athletes.

Relationships, Decisions, and Physical Effort in the Marro Traditional Sporting Game: A Multimodal Approach

The purpose of this study was to examine the players’ decisions-making in Marro (a Traditional Sporting Game) through a multimodal approach. Each player’s decision-making assumes specific accelerations and decelerations associated with different effort. The research objectives were: (i) to study the decision-making associated with the roles of Hunter and Hare; (ii) to know the physical effort by the roles (Hunters and Hares); (iii) to reveal T-Patterns in the multimodal strategic approach (integrated with decisions and different physical effort) with a direct incidence on the scoring by roles. The study was performed with 22 male and 2 female players aged 18 to 25 (M = 19.4; SD = 1.3). The Marro game was played by two groups for eight minutes. An observational methodology was used, through a type III design. The observational design was nomothetic, one-time, and multidimensional. An ‘ad hoc’ tool was built to ensure the data quality. Univariate analyses were performed using Crosstabs Command, with adjusted residuals (AR), Classification Trees (Chaid model) and T-Pattern Analysis (TPA). Significant differences were found between matches using the scoring (p < 0.001; ES = 0.26), role (p < 0.001; ES = 0.31), or the organic variables of the study, the speed (p < 0.001; ES = 0.73), the metabolic power and the acceleration/deceleration the speed (p = 0.023; ES = 0.43), while the predictive model pointed to the variable role (p < 0.001) as the main factor responsible for the model growth. TPA (p < 0.005) revealed differences attributable to internal logic in the yellow (first match) and orange (second match) teams, while organic variables were more changeable in the violet (first match) and green (second match) teams. This study advances the individualization of the decision-making process. These results may be useful to better understand the internal of functioning of the Marro game 360° since the use of various methodologies and variables (multimodal approach) provided original findings.

Promoting Interpersonal Relationships through Elbow Tag, a Traditional Sporting Game. A Multidimensional Approach

The aim of this research was to study from a multidimensional point of view (decisional, relational and energetic) the interpersonal relationships established by girls and boys in the traditional sport game of Elbow Tag. Scientific evidence has shown that Traditional Sport Games (TSG) trigger different effects on male and female genders in relation to emotional experiences, decision-making, conflicts and motor relationships. Despite the fact that these dimensions are intertwined, there are hardly any studies that interpret motor behaviors holistically, i.e., taking a multidimensional (360°) view of these dimensions. For this study, a quasi-experimental design was used and a type III design was applied, inspired by the observational methodology N/P/M. A total of 147 university students participated (M = 19.6, SD = 2.3): 47 girls (31.97%) and 100 boys (68.02%). A mixed ‘ad hoc’ registration system was designed with acceptable margins of data quality. Cross-tabulations, classification trees and T-patterns analysis were applied. The results indicated that social interactions between girls and boys in a mixed group were unequal. This difference was mainly due to decision-making (sub-role variable), which has much greater predictive power than the energetic variables (MV and steps).

Entropy of Badminton Strike Positions

The aim of the current study was twofold: (i) to investigate the distribution of the strike positions of badminton players while quantifying the corresponding standard entropy and using an alternative metric (spatial entropy) related to winning and losing points and random positions; and (ii) to evaluate the standard entropy of the receiving positions. With the datasets of 259 badminton matches, we focused on the positions of players’ strokes and the outcome of each point. First, we identified those regions of the court from which hits were most likely to be struck. Second, we computed the standard entropy of stroke positions, and then the spatial entropy, which also considers the order and clustering of the hitting locations in a two-dimensional Euclidean space. Both entropy quantifiers revealed high uncertainty in the striking position; however, specific court locations (i.e., the four corners) are preferred over the rest. When the outcome of each point was taken into account, we observed that the hitting patterns with lower entropy were associated with higher probabilities of winning points. On the contrary, players striking from more random positions were more prone to losing the points.

The Effect of Eight-Week Sprint Interval Training on Aerobic Performance of Elite Badminton Players

This study was aimed to: (1) investigate the effects of physiological functions of sprint interval training (SIT) on the aerobic capacity of elite badminton players; and (2) explore the potential mechanisms of oxygen uptake, transport and recovery within the process. Thirty-two elite badminton players volunteered to participate and were randomly divided into experimental (Male-SIT and Female-SIT group) and control groups (Male-CON and Female-CON) within each gender. During a total of eight weeks, SIT group performed three times of SIT training per week, including two power bike trainings and one multi-ball training, while the CON group undertook two Fartlek runs and one regular multi-ball training. The distance of YO-YO IR2 test (which evaluates player’s ability to recover between high intensity intermittent exercises) for Male-SIT and Female-SIT groups increased from 1083.0 ± 205.8 m to 1217.5 ± 190.5 m, and from 725 ± 132.9 m to 840 ± 126.5 m (p < 0.05), respectively, which were significantly higher than both CON groups (p < 0.05). For the Male-SIT group, the ventilatory anaerobic threshold and ventilatory anaerobic threshold in percentage of VO₂max significantly increased from 3088.4 ± 450.9 mL/min to 3665.3 ± 263.5 mL/min (p < 0.05),and from 74 ± 10% to 85 ± 3% (p < 0.05) after the intervention, and the increases were significantly higher than the Male-CON group (p < 0.05); for the Female-SIT group, the ventilatory anaerobic threshold and ventilatory anaerobic threshold in percentage of VO₂max were significantly elevated from 1940.1 ± 112.8 mL/min to 2176.9 ± 78.6 mL/min, and from 75 ± 4% to 82 ± 4% (p < 0.05) after the intervention, which also were significantly higher than those of the Female-CON group (p < 0.05). Finally, the lactate clearance rate was raised from 13 ± 3% to 21 ± 4% (p < 0.05) and from 21 ± 5% to 27 ± 4% for both Male-SIT and Female-SIT groups when compared to the pre-test, and this increase was significantly higher than the control groups (p < 0.05). As a training method, SIT could substantially improve maximum aerobic capacity and aerobic recovery ability by improving the oxygen uptake and delivery, thus enhancing their rapid repeated sprinting ability.

Effect of Scaling Task Constraints on the Learning Processes of Under-11 Badminton Players during Match-Play

Scaling equipment and the playing space according to junior badminton players’ characteristics and needs is a key aspect to design optimal learning environments. The purpose of the study is to analyze the incidence of reducing the court size (from 13.40 m × 5.18 m to 11.88 m × 5.18 m) and net height (from 1.55 m to 1.30 m) for under-11 badminton players on the following technical and tactical variables: (a) service area; (b) stroke effectiveness; (c) kinds of technical strokes; (d) players’ hitting area; (e) shuttle landing area; (f) shuttle flight; and (g) rally length. Twenty-eight badminton players (mean age of players: 9.81 ± 0.93) were selected and played a badminton competition (B) with the current federative rules and a mini-badminton competition (MB) with the altered net height and court dimensions. The results showed that a lower net height and a shorter court would increase the frequency and variability of strokes and play patterns, introducing quantifiable changes considered beneficial for children in their first stages, both in training and competition.

Gender Differences in Kinematic Parameters of Topspin Forehand and Backhand in Table Tennis

Background: The identification of gender differences in kinematics and coordination of movement in different body segments in sports may improve the training process by emphasizing the necessity of its differentiation, and consequently individualization, developing, and improving the technique in women and men. Indicating differences can also help in determining the risk of injury in order to prevent from them by diversifying training programs. However, there is no information regarding this problem in the existing literature pertaining to table tennis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to evaluate the differences in the values of selected angular and kinematic parameters during topspin forehand and topspin backhand shots between male and female table tennis players. Methods: Six male and six female advanced table tennis players performed topspin forehand and topspin backhand shots, both receiving a backspin ball. The angular parameters in four events (ready position, backswing, maximum acceleration, and forward) at chosen joints as well as the maximal acceleration of the playing hand were measured, using the myoMotion system, and were compared between male and female players. Results: Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found in the magnitude of angular parameters and maximum hand acceleration between men and women. The movement pattern of topspin strokes performed by men takes into account, more than that in the case of women, movements that use large muscle groups and large joints (hip joints, trunk joints, shoulder joints in extension, and flexion). The difference in the values of maximal acceleration reached almost 50 m/s² in topspin forehand (p < 0.01) and 20 m/s² in backhand (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Differentiation of movement patterns can be a manifestation of movement optimization due to anthropological differences and limitations. The differences in the values of maximal acceleration suggest that women could use both sides to perform a topspin attack against the backspin ball, while men should seek opportunities to make a stronger shot with a forehand topspin.

Players' On-Court Movements and Contextual Variables in Badminton World Championship

This study aimed to analyze the elite badminton players' on-court movements related to contextual variables (game, round, and match status). A total of 18 matches of the Jakarta 2015 World Championship (1,273 points and 5,710 play actions) were examined by univariate and bivariate analyses. Significant differences were found when comparing the players' on-court movements related to game, round, and match status (p < 0.05). All movements were executed more frequently in game 2, with the exception of diagonal large backward left (DLBL), diagonal short backward left (DSBL), diagonal short backward right (DSBR), and longitudinal short backward (LSB). The results obtained related to the round showed that longitudinal large backward (LLB) was the most frequent footwork in R1/16 and R1/2, diagonal short forward left (DSFL) was the most frequent one for R1/4, and transversal short right (TSR) was the most used movement for the final round. According to match status, no movement (NM) was the most common situation before hitting the shuttlecock at any moment during the match. This study shows how contextual variables modulate the elite players' on-court movements. This information could be valuable for coaches and players, allowing them to better understand the players' behavior in a competition, which could be used to design more specific training tasks and prepare match strategies in order to improve the players' performance in competitions.

Enhancing Multimodal Learning Through Traditional Sporting Games: Marro360°

Different international organizations and initiatives highlight the contribution of the traditional sporting games (TSGs) to favor the diversity of knowledge, values, and attitudes necessary for today's society. TSG such as Marro trigger multimodal learning contexts (driving conducts, interpersonal and organic relationships), with great interest in the educational and sports initiation field. The purpose of two studies presented in this manuscript was to examine the 360° multimodal strategic intervention (decisional, relational, and organic) of two teams faced in a Marro game. For this study, a quasi-experimental design was used composed by a single test applied to two non-equivalent teams. Mixed methods were used with an observational methodology in Quadrant III: nomothetic, punctual, and multidimensional. Fourteen university students participated [mean (M) = 20.49, standard deviation (SD) = 2.18]. Three internal logic variables were studied: outcome, role, and subrole; and three variables referred to the dimensions of motor conduct: relationship, risk in the decision, and physical effort. A mixed ad hoc registration system was designed with acceptable margins of data quality. For Study 1, cross-tabulations and classification trees were applied, while for Study 2 strategic T-patterns were identified. The relevance of the scoreboard (p < 0.001; Effect Size = 0.386) and the realization of the role (p < 0.001; ES = 0.091) for the study of multimodal strategic chains in the Marro game were confirmed. The detection of regularities in specific interaction (Hunters against Hares) by Theme (p < 0.005) allowed for interpretation of the process of strategic conducts of both teams during the game. Knowing the strategic chains of playful coexistence among equals through a multimodal range of variables and approaches has revealed an unusual dynamic picture. The study provides scientific evidence for the physical education teacher on the dynamics of the game of Marro. The pedagogical application of these contributions must be made according to curricular interests.