Kristian Ferrell
The scoring system for badminton has been changed multiple times over the years, with the sport's governing body, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), experimenting with different formats to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport. The latest change, from a 3x21 rally point system to a 3x15 (setting to 21) scoring system, has been proposed to make the game faster-paced and more exciting for viewers, with the BWF citing the need for more exciting points, shorter matches, and better scheduling.
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To reduce match lengths
Badminton has experimented with several scoring systems over the years, with the primary objective of reducing match lengths. The traditional scoring system, in place before 2002, was unpredictable and often resulted in lengthy matches. Serving was more difficult than defending, and players could go several exchanges without scoring.
In 2002, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) introduced a new system where matches were the best of five games, with each game played to seven points. This system was short-lived, lasting only until the 2002 Commonwealth Games, as it failed to reduce match times.
In 2005, the IBF's successor, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), experimented with rally point scoring, intending to regulate playing time and simplify the system for viewers. This system capped scores at 30 points, including a golden point rule at 29-29. However, match lengths continued to be an issue.
In 2014, the BWF tried another system with five games to 11 points, removing the previous setting rule. This system aimed to increase excitement and improve scheduling by shortening matches.
The BWF has recently proposed a return to a variation of the traditional scoring system, with matches consisting of the best of three games, each played to 15 points. This proposal, known as the "3 x 15 (setting to 21)" system, aims to strike a balance between exciting gameplay and match duration. While some players express concern that this system favours speed over skill, the BWF intends to test it at various tournaments before making a final decision.
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To increase excitement
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has been considering changing the scoring system of badminton matches to make them more exciting to watch. The BWF President, Poul-Erik Høyer, stated that the proposed change was part of his vision to "make badminton more exciting and to increase the entertainment value for stakeholders".
The current scoring system, in place since 2006, is the 3 x 21 rally point system, where matches are decided by the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points. However, this system has led to concerns about the unpredictable and lengthy nature of matches, as well as the dominance of defensive playing styles, which can make games less exciting for viewers.
To address these issues, the BWF has proposed a return to a shorter scoring system, with games played to 15 points. This would increase the excitement of the matches by encouraging faster-paced and more attacking play, reducing the advantage of defensive strategies, and creating a higher probability of exciting points. The shorter matches would also allow for better scheduling and help sustain fan interest.
While some players have expressed concerns about the proposed changes, arguing that it prioritises speed over skill and reduces the opportunity for comebacks, the BWF is committed to improving the viewing experience and attracting a wider audience. The new scoring system is currently being tested at various tournaments, with a final decision expected to be made by the BWF Annual General Meeting in 2026.
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To encourage attacking play
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has been considering changing the scoring system of badminton matches to encourage attacking play and make the sport more appealing to viewers. The current scoring system, in place since 2006, is the 3 x 21 rally point system, where matches are the best of three games, with each game played to 21 points.
The BWF has expressed concern that the current system leads to lengthy and unpredictable match times, and that badminton has become a game of consistency, with players opting for defensive playing styles as they are less exhausting and less prone to errors. This results in a lack of exciting points and lower commercial and broadcasting appeal.
To address these issues, the BWF proposed changing the scoring system to 11 x 5 (best of five games, with 11 points to win a game) in 2021, but the proposal did not receive the required two-thirds majority vote. The BWF has since endorsed a new preferred scoring system of 3 x 15 (setting to 21), which is already defined as part of the 'Alternative Laws of Badminton'. This system aims to increase the excitement of each point, shorten match times, and encourage more attacking play.
The 3 x 15 scoring system is intended to make badminton matches faster-paced and more exciting for viewers. With shorter games, players may be incentivized to take more risks and adopt more aggressive strategies, leading to a higher likelihood of errors and unpredictable outcomes. This change could also help attract a larger audience and improve the commercial viability of the sport. However, some players have expressed concerns that the new system overly favours speed and youth, and could increase the risk of injuries, especially for older players who need to exert themselves more to keep up.
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To simplify the system for viewers
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has been considering changing the scoring system to simplify the sport for viewers. In 2002, the BWF experimented with a new scoring system to improve the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport. The new system shortened games to seven points and decided matches by the best of five games. However, this system was abandoned as it did not significantly reduce match times.
In 2005, the BWF experimented again with the scoring system, intending to regulate playing time and simplify the system for television viewers. The main change was the adoption of rally point scoring.
In 2014, the BWF reviewed the scoring system again due to increasing match lengths. Several systems were considered, and it was decided to try a system with five games of 11 points each. This proposal aimed to make the sport more exciting and increase its entertainment value for stakeholders.
The BWF has listed three main factors for the proposed change to a 3x15 scoring system:
- More exciting points and a higher probability that each point will be more exciting.
- Reaching exciting points sooner.
- Shorter matches will lead to better scheduling and help sustain fan interest while also helping with player health and longevity.
Some people argue that the new scoring system will make badminton more fast-paced and exciting to watch, attracting a larger audience. However, others disagree, stating that the game will become more about speed than skill, with little room for error or comeback.
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To make scheduling easier
The previous scoring system in badminton, which went up to 15 points, often resulted in matches that were too long and unpredictable in terms of duration. This made it difficult for broadcasters and tournament organisers to schedule matches and ensure a smooth flow to the event.
The You may want to see also The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is considering changing the scoring system to make badminton matches more exciting and to increase the entertainment value for stakeholders. The current badminton scoring system is the 3 x 21 rally point system. Matches are decided by the best of three games, with each game played up to 21 points. The proposed badminton scoring system is the 3 x 15 (setting to 21) scoring system. Matches will be decided by the best of three games, with each game played up to 15 points. If the score reaches 14-14, the game will continue until one side gains a two-point lead. The new scoring system is still in the testing phase and will be tested at selected Continental Championships, Grade 3 tournaments, national and international leagues, and national tournaments from April to September/October 2025. The BWF Council will make a final decision after surveying key stakeholders and members.The Birth of Basketball: A Historical Perspective
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