Effect of Scaling Racquet Using a Body-Scaling Approach on Badminton Match Performance

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the ideal racquet size by modifying racquets based on a body-scaling approach employing arm-to-racquet length ratios. Twelve boys aged between 13 to 14 years (13.17±0.83) with one to two years of badminton experience volunteered to participate in the study. To calculate arm-to-racquet length ratios, participants’ arm lengths for both hands were recorded. Participants were divided into six pairs and played a badminton match using three types of racquets which were racquets A (1.1:1.0), B (1.0:1.0), and C (0.9:1.0). Participants’ hitting opportunities, successful strokes, winning strokes, rally length, and unforced errors were notated manually via video replay. Based on the one-way ANOVA with repeated measures, the results showed that the use of racquet B which had a pi ratio of 1.0:1.0 for arm length-to-racquet length ratios during badminton matches, recorded the highest mean scores in hitting opportunities, successful strokes, and winning strokes than racquets A (1.1:1.0) and C (0.9:1.0), p<.05. The results also demonstrated that the use of racquet B reduces the unforced errors during matches compared to racquets A and C, p<.05. It is suggested that giving children equipment that suits their physical characteristics (e.g., racquet length with arm length) might improve their performance and allow them to play badminton more efficiently.