International Journal of Racket Sports Science

Pickleball Flight Dynamics

Kye Emond — 2024-12-30

This paper considers the flight dynamics of the ball in the sport of pickleball. Various simplifications are introduced according to the features of the game. These simplifications and some approximations enable straightforward coding to study aspects of the game such as the trajectory of the ball and its velocity. In turn, strategic questions may be addressed that have not been previously considered. In particular, our primary research question involves the preference between playing with the wind versus against the wind. It is demonstrated that playing against the wind is often preferable than playing with the wind.

The relationship between tennis participation and wellbeing: a survey of 2287 adults

Brendon Stubbs — 2025-04-02

Sports participation is associated with better wellbeing in adults. Despite its popularity globally, little is known about the relationship with tennis participation and wellbeing. We conducted a survey in the United Kingdom to understand the relationship between playing tennis and wellbeing in adults. A cross-sectional survey among healthy adults aged over 18 was conducted including tennis players and non-tennis players. Information was collected on sociodemographic, frequency of playing tennis, length played tennis for and a 10 item self-rated scale on State of Mind score (scored 0-100, higher scores=greater wellbeing). Data were analysed using mean and standard deviations, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests to compare groups as well as zero-inflated negative binomial models for the main analysis. Tennis players presented 13% higher scores than their peers (69 vs. 61; p<0.001). In the main analysis, playing tennis was associated with a higher state of mind (IRR: 1.10; 95%CI: 1.07-1.13). All the categories of years playing tennis had higher state of mind compared to non-players (0-5 years: 1.11; 1.07-1.16. 5-10 years: 1.08; 1.02-1.15. >10 years: 1.10; 1.06-1.13). Only the category of >1day/week of playing tennis was associated with higher state of mind compared to the group with <1 day/week (1.08; 1.04-1.12). Tennis players that trained regularly without competing, also presented higher state of mind scores compared to those playing tennis for fun (1.07; 1.01-1.13). In conclusion, our survey suggests that playing tennis is associated with higher wellbeing. Future large scale, prospective studies are required to understand the directionality of these findings.

Technology-enabled reflection enhances coaching behavior in youth tennis coaches

Jonathan Glen — 2025-04-02

Sports coaches have an important role to play in the development of their participants. One way that coaches can do this effectively is to ensure their behavior is appropriate for the people they coach. Previous research has highlighted that coaches are unaware of their behavior and how this impacts their participants. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of technology on reflection in sports coaches and explore the influence of enhanced critical reflection on coaching behavior. The study was underpinned by theoretical frameworks on reflection. In this study, experienced and qualified tennis coaches (n=3) were video- and audio-recorded three times over nine weeks delivering sessions to youth participants (n=7). Coaches had their behavior coded using the Arizona State University Observation Inventory. After each session, coaches reflected on recordings and sent reflections to researchers. Follow-up interviews were conducted with each coach. The results showed increased self-awareness of behavior, increased quality of reflection, and enhanced coaching behavior. The study findings suggest that technology is effective in aiding reflection and coaching behavior in youth tennis coaches. From this, it is recommended that National Governing Bodies, clubs and coach developers use similar interventions to enhance the quality of coaching.

Physical Growth and Biological Maturity Status of Young Table Tennis Players

Hasan Ödemiş — 2025-04-02

Although table tennis is a popular sport played by millions of people regularly and competitively, and the studies devoted to table tennis are increasing, the extent of literature on the growth and maturity status of young table tennis players is not extensive. The present study aimed to assess the growth and maturity status of young medal-winning table tennis players and compare them with non-medal-winning players. A group of 117 competitive players, consisting of 57 males (12.87±1.35 years) and 60 females (12.99±1.24 years), underwent measurements of standing height, sitting height, and body mass. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated by dividing weight (in kilograms) by the square of height (in meters), and growth status was determined using a reference database. Somatic maturity status was estimated using age at peak height velocity (APHV) and maturity offset, calculated by the difference between APHV and chronological age. The results indicated that the mean height, body mass, and BMI percentiles of both genders were higher than the 37^th percentile when compared to normative references. There were no significant differences in terms of growth and maturity status between medal-winning and non-medal-winning players in both genders. The study suggests that coaches might consider closely monitoring the growth and maturity levels of their players and potentially consider adjusting training strategies based on the players' physical characteristics. These findings could contribute valuable insights into talent identification, physical development, and their potential influence on performance in youth table tennis.

Analysis of successive badminton matches accumulation on neuromuscular fatigue and perceived effort in a national badminton competition

Carlos Rubio-Arrabal — 2025-04-03

The present study explores how fatigue evolves throughout a single-day national badminton tournament involving five consecutive matches, by examining subjective and objective metrics. Eleven U-17 athletes (14-16 years old; 45% women) were evaluated in a real competition using subjective assessments, including the rate of perceived exertion (RPE), session RPE (sRPE), the muscular fatigue visual analog scale (MFVAS), and the total quality recovery test (TQR), as well as objective measures like countermovement jump peak height (CMJh), drop jump peak height (DJh), and drop jump reactive strength index (RSI) before and after each match. Results showed significantly higher RPE, sRPE, and MFVAS scores and significantly lower CMJh and DJh values in the last matches compared to the first (p<0.05; large effect). sRPE showed a positive moderate-strong relationship with match characteristics, including the number of points (p<0.01), sets played (p<0.05), and match duration (p<0.01). The findings indicate that RPE, sRPE, and MFVAS are the most sensitive metrics for assessing fatigue, with DJh being more effective than CMJh among objective measures, while RSI and TQR showed limited sensitivity. These results offer coaches practical tools for monitoring athlete fatigue during competitions.

International Sports Federations Voting System: A Case Study of the Badminton World Federation

Richard Vaughan — 2024-12-30

This study examines the governance and voting power structures of International Sports Federations (IFs), with a specific focus on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as a case study. For National Sports Associations (Members), democratic representation within IFs is fundamental to good governance, with voting systems serving as a key mechanism for equitable participation. This research critically evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of IF voting systems, proposing actionable reforms to enhance fairness and transparency. Benchmarking against governance models used by FIFA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the study explores the broader applicability of differential voting structures. Additionally, the Sport Governance Observer (SGO) Index is employed as an analytical framework to assess governance quality, including transparency, decision-making, financial management, representation, inclusivity, and accountability mechanisms. The BWF employs a differential voting system for both governance decisions and elections at its Annual General Meeting (AGM), where Members are allocated between one and five votes based on their active participation in badminton. This study examines the historical evolution, operational framework, and implications of this system. Findings confirm that differential voting remains a viable governance model for IFs but underscore the need for well-defined, transparent, and verifiable criteria. Specifically, the study recommends that voting rights be allocated based on measurable engagement in the sport, such as development initiatives and competitive participation, ensuring a governance system that is both equitable and resistant to manipulation.