Temporal structure comparison of the new and conventional scoring systems for men's badminton singles in Taiwan

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the temporal structure of the new "rally-point scoring system" for top-level male badminton players in Taiwan would be shorter than that of the conventional scoring system. In order to reflect real badminton conditions, we used high-speed cameras to record all second-round to finals men's singles matches played during one of Taiwan's national series of badminton tournaments in 2005 (the conventional system) and 2006 (the new system). After data collection, the temporal structure during each match was determined from video recordings. The results of this study showed that rally times and the number of shots per rally were significantly greater (p < 0.05) under the new scoring system than under the conventional system, while the rest of the measures (e.g. match duration) were significantly shorter (p < 0.05) in matches played under the new system than in those played under the conventional system. It was also found that under the new system, most of the measures (e.g. match and exercise durations) during the second and third innings showed greater increases (p < 0.05) than during the first inning. Likewise, under the conventional system, the exercise duration and number of serves during the second and third innings showed greater increases (p < 0.05) than during the first inning. These results suggest that the temporal structure of the new scoring system is significantly different from that of the conventional system, and may require coaches to modify current on-court training methods to maintain specificity with the demands of the new system.