Are Technical and Timing Components in Para-Badminton Classifications Different?

Abstract

Considering the smaller number of studies investigating Para-Badminton (PBd) and the need to understand the technical, tactical and functional classes, the purpose of this research is to investigate the frequency of technical components and timing characteristics in the PBd categories of WH1(Wheelchair/severe impairment) and WH2 (Wheelchair/minor impairment) and to compare between classes. Twenty PBd matches were analyzed in the men's individual category at the 11th World PBd Championship. The mean playing time of the matches was 1,780 (± 575) s for the WH1 class and 2,012 (± 1,098) s for WH2. The average rally time was 10.2 (± 8.4) min for the WH1 and 12.5 (± 12.5) min for WH2. The mean pause time was 15 (± 10.3) s for the WH1 class and 14.1 (±10.5) s for the WH2. The mean number of shots per game was 552 (±197) and 719 (±480) for class WH1 and WH2 respectively. In both classes: the most frequent shots performed by the players were Clear, Lob, Drop, and Net-shot; the players used backhand more often than the forehand service and the short service compared to the long one; the errors stood out in relation to the winner points. In addition, there was a higher proportion of shots at the front of the court in both classes. It was found that the WH2 class showed a higher intensity (longer rally time and shorter pause time) and a higher frequency of technical actions (higher number of shuttle hits) when compared to the WH1. This information can assist coaches during training to guide the development of the temporal and technical aspects of the PBd, as well as monitor them during matches to obtain victory.

Wheelchair Badminton: A Narrative Review of Its Specificities

“…From a temporal standpoint, the studies demonstrate that matches involving WH2 athletes exhibit greater intensity than those involving WH1 athletes [10,11]. As proposed by Strapasson et al [10], this may be associated with a reduced number of strokes executed at a faster pace, decreased rally duration, and increased time required to retrieve grounded shuttlecocks, consequently extending the pause time for WH1 athletes. Thus, limitations in trunk mobility in WH1 athletes appear to directly impact the dynamics of badminton matches.…”

“…The comparison of technical parameters between the classes, depending on the study under consideration, is presented in Table 4. Among the large number of different technical parameters measured, it seems that WH2 athletes employed more aggressive strokes (net shot, drive, and smash) in contrast to the WH1 athletes and executed more total strokes than WH1 players [10,11]. Given that WH2 athletes have more effective time at their disposal than WH1 athletes, we can assume that this accounts for their greater number of total strokes.…”

“…The differentiation between the two classes of wheelchair users lies in their abilities. The abilities of athletes according to their classification were studied through temporal and technical aspects in two different studies, which are two important characteristics of athletes' performance [10,11]. These two studies analyzed technical and temporal variables via video analysis of matches [10,11].…”

“…The abilities of athletes according to their classification were studied through temporal and technical aspects in two different studies, which are two important characteristics of athletes' performance [10,11]. These two studies analyzed technical and temporal variables via video analysis of matches [10,11]. A total of 25 matches of men's singles events performed during the 2018 Brazilian Para-badminton Championship were filmed (WH1: n = 10; WH2: n = 15) for the study of Mota Roibeiro and de Almada [11], and 20 matches from the men's singles category at the 11th World PBd Championship held in Ulsan, South Korea, in 2017 were analyzed for the study of Strapasson [10].…”

“…The following temporal parameters were measured in both studies [10,11]: -Total playing time: time between the first game service to the last point of the game; -Rally time: time between contact with shuttle during service and end of point; -Effective time: time accounted for the sum of rallies; -Working density: ratio between the effective time and the rest time; -Work load: ratio between the total playing time and the effective time and displays the working relationship during the game. The lower the value, the greater the intensity of the game.…”