PETALING JAYA: Players will need to master the basics when the Badminton World Federation (BWF) introduce the new 15x3 scoring system from January next year.
Former mixed doubles player Tan Kian Meng believes the shorter format will leave little room for slow starts, with matches set to move at a quicker pace.
Players will no longer be able to afford slow starts or take time to study their opponents under the current 21x3 format.
Instead, the new system will place greater emphasis on sharp starts and reducing mistakes throughout the match.
As a result, players have no choice but to tighten up their fundamentals quickly if they are to adapt in time, with the new format set to be introduced in less than nine months.
“Matches reach crucial points very quickly, and it becomes difficult to keep making mistakes while trying to recover.
“That is why I believe fundamentals will become even more important under the new scoring system.
“By fundamentals, I do not mean how attractive the technique looks, but whether a player can consistently execute the basics correctly under high speed, high pressure and low margin for error.
“For example, can they stay solid in serve and receive, manage the opening three shots well, produce quality once in position, defend simple shots when under pressure, maintain technique when the pace rises, and make the right decisions when tension builds,” said Kian Meng, who is now part of England’s coaching set-up.
Kian Meng also believes the change will pose a mental challenge for players, especially their ability to cope with pressure in high-intensity and fast-paced situations.
He added that coaches too will need to adapt quickly to the new scoring format.
“Because under the 15x3 scoring system, the pace is faster and the margin for error is lower, there is often little time for players to slowly experiment, search or adjust on their own,” said Kian Meng.
The new system was approved after members voted in favour of the proposal during the 87th annual general meeting in Horsens on Friday, with the motion receiving the required two-thirds majority.
