What is the new 25-second time clock in badminton?

It's a trial system by the BWF where players must be ready to serve or receive within 25 seconds of the score being updated to speed up matches.

Why is the BWF testing a 25-second time clock at the Indonesia Masters?

The BWF is testing the clock to curb tactical delays, standardize match flow, and improve the overall presentation of the sport.

How are badminton players reacting to the new 25-second rule?

Reactions are mixed, with some players like Wang Zi Yi welcoming it, while others like Mathias Christiansen are skeptical about its effectiveness.

Home / Sports / Badminton's New 25-Second Clock: Faster Games or Player Frustration?

Badminton's New 25-Second Clock: Faster Games or Player Frustration?

18 Jan

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Summary

BWF trials a 25-second time clock to reduce tactical delays.
Players and coaches have mixed reactions to the new time rule.
Analysis shows 25 seconds balances recovery with match flow.

Badminton's New 25-Second Clock: Faster Games or Player Frustration?

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is introducing a 25-second time clock to standardize match flow and reduce tactical delays. This new system will be tested at select World Tour tournaments, beginning with the Indonesia Masters next week. The clock starts once the umpire updates the score, requiring both server and receiver to be ready within the stipulated time.

Reactions from the badminton community are varied. China's Wang Zi Yi supports the move, anticipating player adaptation and a solution to delays. However, Denmark's Mathias Christiansen expresses skepticism, doubting its ability to address the root cause of tactical delays. Tokyo Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei noted that 20-25 seconds might be insufficient after physically demanding rallies.

The BWF's research indicates that 25 seconds strikes an appropriate balance between player recovery and maintaining match momentum, considering an average time of 22 seconds between points in analyzed matches. Despite this, former player B Sumeeth Reddy emphasizes the need for practical enforcement, cautioning against rigid application after intense rallies.