Impact of Modified Game Formats on Playing Style in Youth Badminton
Malte Nejst Larsen, Ricardo Martins, Christina Ruppert, Lea Heer, Sophia Janssen, Anastasia Dereki et al. · International Journal of Racket Sports Science · 2026
This study examined whether modified badminton game formats enhance player development in U9 and U11 male and female players. Net height was reduced to 135 cm, and court size was adjusted, U9 played on a half double court and U11 on a full court using the double service line, compared with the standard adult format, to assess whether these modifications increase stroke count and improve tactical behavior. Tournaments were conducted using both original and modified formats. Games were analyzed for stroke counts, stroke quality and tactical choices. Stroke data were analyzed using negative binomial generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs), with random effects for game and set. Estimated marginal means (EMMs), incidence rate ratios (IRR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. A total of 35,755 duels across 547 games were analyzed. Modified formats produced significantly fewer strokes per duel (3.45 ± 2.18) than original formats (3.89 ± 2.64; IRR = 0.912, p < 0.001), with differences most pronounced in higher-level players and attenuated in lower-level players. Differences were largest in higher-level players and smaller in lower-level players. Video analysis revealed that modified formats encouraged more short serves (particularly backhand) and increased play at the net, while middle court play remained similar. Gender differences were minimal. In
Conclusion: , modified badminton game formats with lower nets and smaller courts influenced playing behavior in U9 and U11 players particularly in higher-level and older subgroups. Despite the reduced stroke counts, video analysis indicated a shift toward more frontcourts play and short backhand serves, reflecting changes in tactical patterns rather than decreased engagement. These
Results: suggest that scaling game constraints can promote diverse technical and tactical experiences, supporting skill development and enjoyment in youth badminton. These
Findings: suggest that scaling game constraints reshape tactical behavior in youth badminton rather than diminishing engagement. Consequently, governing bodies should align format modifications with skill levels to optimize learning outcomes.