As the sport of badminton continues to evolve, so too must its athletes. The latest development shaking up the badminton world is the introduction of a new scoring system, a change designed to make matches faster, more intense, and more engaging for global audiences. But with change comes challenge, and according to renowned Malaysian coach Zhi Yang, players must be prepared to adapt their speed, reflexes, and tactical awareness if they want to thrive under this new format.
The shift has reignited conversations across the badminton community about what it takes to compete at the highest level in an increasingly fast-paced era. And as Zhi Yang warns, those who fail to adjust may quickly find themselves left behind.
A New Era for Badminton Scoring
Badminton’s governing body, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), has long explored ways to make the sport more dynamic and viewer-friendly. After years of trials and deliberation, a revised scoring system—moving from the traditional 21-point rally system to a best-of-five format with 11 points per game—is gradually being introduced in certain tournaments.
The aim, according to BWF, is to increase excitement and reduce match duration without compromising the sport’s intensity. Shorter games are expected to encourage players to attack more aggressively, minimize lulls in play, and amplify the sense of urgency with every rally.
However, this new rhythm also demands a different kind of physical and mental preparation. Matches will be shorter, but each rally will carry greater importance. The margin for error will shrink dramatically.
That’s where Zhi Yang’s message to players becomes crucial.
Zhi Yang’s Perspective “Adapt or Fall Behind”
Known for his analytical approach and deep understanding of modern badminton, Zhi Yang believes the new system represents both a threat and an opportunity. For athletes with quick adaptability and aggressive instincts, it could be a golden era. For those who rely on long rallies and endurance-based play, the transition could be far more challenging. “The game will now move at a much faster tempo,” Zhi Yang explained during a recent interview at the Malaysian National Training Centre. “Players can no longer afford to warm up into a match slowly. You must come in ready to explode from the first point. Every serve, every return, and every shot has to count.”
In essence, Zhi Yang emphasizes speed as the new foundation of success. Speed in footwork. Speed in reaction. Speed in tactical decision-making.
He elaborates that under the old system, players could afford to “build momentum” gradually, using longer rallies to wear down opponents or test their weaknesses. But now, with each game potentially ending after just 11 points, there’s little time to settle in. “If you fall behind 4–0, the pressure is already enormous,” he noted. “Momentum becomes everything.”
Physical Speed The Core of Modern Training
According to Zhi Yang, one of the most immediate areas players must improve is explosiveness and agility. The condensed format means that players need to reach top intensity levels much faster than before.
“In the first two minutes of a game, players need to be at their physical peak,” he explained. “That requires changes to training methods. You can’t train just for endurance anymore—you need to train for repeated bursts of power.”
Traditional badminton training often emphasized endurance to prepare athletes for long, grueling three-game battles. While stamina remains essential, Zhi Yang says it must now be paired with short-duration, high-intensity training cycles to simulate real match conditions under the new rules.
He recommends incorporating interval sprinting, plyometric exercises, and reaction-based drills that replicate in-game scenarios. “The goal is to make sure players can maintain sharpness under pressure, even when rallies are short but explosive,” he said.
Tactical Speed Thinking Faster on Court
But speed, Zhi Yang stresses, isn’t just physical—it’s mental. The new scoring system rewards those who can think, adapt, and react faster than their opponents.
“In the past, players could take a few rallies to analyze their opponents’ weaknesses,” he explained. “Now, they must read patterns almost instantly. It’s like playing chess with a timer running twice as fast.”
He encourages players to hone their situational awareness—to recognize opportunities for attack or defense in a split second. Players who hesitate or overthink will likely lose control of the tempo.
To cultivate this, Zhi Yang integrates decision-making drills in practice sessions. For example, during simulated rallies, he instructs players to make tactical choices—whether to smash, drive, or drop—within milliseconds. “The idea is to train instinct,” he said. “At the top level, instinct is intelligence refined through repetition.”
The Mental Battle Handling Pressure in Shorter Games
Perhaps the most underestimated adjustment, according to Zhi Yang, lies in the psychological aspect of the new system. With games capped at 11 points, each mistake becomes magnified. A slow start or a momentary lapse in focus could cost an entire game.
“Players need to learn how to reset mentally much faster,” Zhi Yang said. “If you lose one game 11–6, there’s no time to dwell on it. The next game starts immediately, and you must recover instantly.”
He likens the new format to tennis tie-breakers, where momentum can shift rapidly and mental composure becomes as important as technical ability. “Those who stay calm under pressure will have a huge advantage,” he emphasized.
Zhi Yang’s approach involves mental conditioning through scenario-based simulations. During training, he replicates high-pressure scorelines—like being down 9–10 or up 10–9—to teach players how to execute under stress. The objective, he said, is to make composure a habit rather than an emotion.
Adapting Playing Styles Who Benefits and Who Struggles
The introduction of the new scoring system is likely to reshape the hierarchy of world badminton. Players with natural attacking instincts—those who can seize initiative early—are poised to benefit. Conversely, defensive specialists who rely on prolonged rallies to outlast opponents may need significant tactical adjustments.
Zhi Yang offered an analytical breakdown:
- Attack-minded players (like Viktor Axelsen or Tai Tzu Ying) will thrive under the system because of their ability to win quick points and sustain aggressive pressure.
- Defensive or rally-based players (like Akane Yamaguchi or Chen Yufei) may need to adapt by increasing their shot tempo and risk-taking.
- Doubles pairs, particularly in men’s doubles, will likely embrace the format faster since they already operate in fast-paced, short-rally environments.
However, Zhi Yang cautions against assuming that aggression alone guarantees success. “Controlled aggression is key,” he explained. “It’s about knowing when to go for the kill and when to set up the play. Reckless attacking can backfire just as quickly in a short game.”
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