Badminton Rule Changes: Time Clock & 15-Point System | Ahn Se-young Concerns

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Badminton Races Against the Clock: New Rules Aim to Boost Pace and Excitement

Badminton is poised for a significant overhaul with the introduction of a 25-second serve clock and potential changes to scoring, designed to inject more speed and dynamism into the sport.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is actively piloting changes aimed at addressing concerns about stalling tactics and enhancing the spectator experience. These adjustments come as the sport enjoys growing popularity, fueled by the success of players like world number one Ahn Se-young and the men’s doubles team of Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho.

Did you know? – badminton’s origins trace back to the mid-1800s game of “battledore and shuttlecock,” played by British officers stationed in India. The modern sport evolved from this pastime.

Time is of the Essence: Introducing the 25-Second Clock

A key component of the BWF’s initiative is the implementation of a time clock, limiting the time between rallies to 25 seconds. This rule, already tested in qualifying matches at the 2025 Australian Open, is currently being piloted at the 2026 Indonesia Masters. The BWF intends to gradually expand its use across the world tour.

The concept mirrors similar measures adopted in other sports, such as baseball’s pitch clock – which now mandates 18 seconds between pitches when no runners are on base and 23 seconds with runners – and basketball’s 5-second rule for inbound passes. According to a BWF announcement, the goal is to prevent unnecessary delays and maintain a higher level of “excitement” for viewers.

The 25-second clock applies after each rally, requiring the server to be ready within the allotted time.Players are permitted to perform routine actions like wiping sweat or hydrating during this period, but must remain mindful of the timer. Referees will issue warnings – initially yellow cards, potentially escalating to red cards – for violations. The BWF has clarified that using a small towel to wipe sweat will not pause the clock, but larger mops will.

Reader question – The BWF is testing a 15-point scoring system. This change aims to create shorter,more action-packed matches and potentially level the playing field.

Shorter Matches on the Horizon? A Shift to 15 Points

Beyond the time clock, the BWF is also considering a significant change to the scoring system. A proposal to shift from the current “21 points – best of three games” format to “15 points – best of three games” will be presented at the BWF’s general meeting in Denmark this April.

This potential change represents the first major scoring revolution in two decades, following the adoption of the 21-point system in 2006. Previous attempts to introduce an 11-point system in 2018 and 2021 failed to garner the necessary two-thirds majority vote from member countries. The 15-point system is being positioned as a compromise solution.

Concerns and Adaptations from Top Players

The proposed changes have sparked debate within the badminton community. Some observers suggest the shift to 15 points could be a strategic move to challenge the dominance of players like Ahn Se-young, whose strength lies in endurance and a measured, physical style of play.

Kim Dong-moon, president of the Korea Badminton Association, voiced concerns, stating, “I guess they are trying to change the rules because they can’t catch top-ranked Korean players with the current method. There will be some impact until they adapt.”

However, Ahn Se-young herself expressed a pragmatic outlook, saying, “It may be difficult in the beginning, but if I adapt, I think it will lead to good results.If the score decreases, I think the physical burden will be lessened.”

The BWF’s efforts to modernize badminton reflect a broader trend across sports to address pacing and enhance the viewing