Research
Some of our latest international research in sport performance, injury prevention and sport science
Hawkeye Project
01
Abstract
Afzal I, Adkins W, Ward M, Butterworth A, Stone J​
The forehand smash is often considered a key skill for winning a point in badminton. Three-dimensional (3D) motion tracking technologies used during elite match play, have the potential to provide a rich source of representative data to examine the effectiveness of shot tactics on performance. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of discipline on smash outcome. Utilizing Hawk-eye (innovations ltd, Basingstoke, UK) data, nine Badminton World Federation (BWF) international (Super Series and World Tour) tournaments (2017-18) were examined resulting in 18,904 forehand smash strokes. The data included shuttlecock-racket impact location, shuttlecock smash placement and shot outcome. Three One-Way Anova’s were used to examine the differences between disciplines for smash outcome. One-way Anova tests revealed that there were significant differences between disciplines for smash winner (ace) percentage (F(4,389) = 2.753, p = .028)); smash unreturned winner percentage (F(4,389) = 13.778, p = <0.001)) and smash returned percentage (F(4,389) = 11.072, p = <0.001)). Tukey Post Hoc results revealed, Women's Doubles (WD) (p = <0.001, 72.5 ± 10.6) had a significantly higher smash returned percentage in comparison to Men’s doubles (MD) (p = <0.001, 63.5 ± 13.5). Furthermore, WD (p = 0.009, 13.4 ± 6.9) had a lower smash unreturned winner percentage in comparison to MD (p = 0.009, 17.8 ± 8.7) and Mixed Doubles (XD) (p = <0.001 18.9 ± 8.7). In conclusion, the BWF, coaches and in particular WD players should focus on developing strategies (technical and tactical) during training for hitting more forehand smash winners (aces and unreturned), as this is likely to reduce the total number of smashes returned. Future research will look into the relationship between forehand smash shot outcome and shuttlecock speed.
Keywords: Smash Winners, 3D motion tracking, Performance analysis, Tactical
BWF Sport Science Scoping Review
02
Abstract
​Afzal I.A, Casermeiro Gámez, M.C., Luque Manjon C., Jones T, Bennett T
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The provision of sports science in global sport governing bodies is becoming vastly integral to the way in which performance, safety, and innovation is enhanced. The aim of this study was to investigate aspects of the quality, rigour and impact of Badminton World Federation (BWF) sports science research projects conducted over the last 10 years. Disciplines reviewed included: Biomechanics (23 papers), Sports Injury (17), Physiology (12), Training (7), Psychology (6), Performance Analysis (5), and Para-Badminton (3). Descriptive data analysis was performed on demographics (age, sex, level of play, sample size), anthropometrics, experimental design, and type of skills from 69 BWF-funded research grant papers, collated using a cross-referenced database. Cross referencing revealed 30 of 69 (43%) research papers were peer-reviewed and selected for further analysis. Biomechanics was the most researched discipline (6), Para-Badminton was the least (1). Female participants were present in 20 of the 30 peer-reviewed studies. The most common age range was between 20-25 yrs (12). The mode sample size for males (4) and females (2) was between 10-14 participants. The majority of participants were of national (8) and regional (7) performance level. In conclusion, research has predominantly focused on biomechanics and highly specific areas of sport injuries, which potentially lack application to real-world scenarios. Evolving and diversifying from this to include other areas such as strength and conditioning and skill acquisition would lead to wider impact. Furthermore, key areas affecting female badminton players, such as the menstrual cycle, need to be investigated alongside a greater representation from para-badminton players. Performance level has been addressed; however more specific definitions are required to allow deeper insight. Finally, the BWF should continue to promote peer-reviewed, larger sample size research covering more diverse populations. Future research should attempt to clearly state its objectives and direction in support of applied practice.
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Keywords: Practical Application, Interdisciplinary, Global Sport, Gap Analysis
03
PhD Research - Loughborough University / BWF
SHU Undergraduate and Masters Research
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