scoring in badminton
In May 2006 the IBF (International Badminton Federation) ratified the 3 x 21 experimental scoring system which was then adopted on the international competition circuit. By 2008 all county and most league clubs have also adopted this new "rally scoring" system.
Under the new system, points are scored on each rally while under the traditional 3 x 15 system points were only scored by the serving player or pair.
The new system tends to shortened the duration of matches and arguably has made the sport more appealing to the media, in particular television.
Some players preferred the slower burn of the 3 x 15 system and there is a belief that under the new rules players have less chance of staging a comeback once they fall behind in a game. Certainly the new scoring system doesn't favour a player who tends to be a "slow start" or a weak server, but can make the game a bit more exciting and dynamic.
At Ickenham Juniors we run the new rally scoring system.
To understand how the new scoring works, please click here.