The 3x15 badminton debate: Shorter games vs less comeback potential

Anupama Upadhyaya acknowledges that she is a slow starter.

With the Badminton World Federation (BWF) proposing a new 3x15 scoring system to potentially replace the 3x21 system by 2026, the youngster is wary.

“Most likely, from Monday, we will start playing in the 3x15 scoring system, and definitely, Gopi sir (coach Pullela Gopichand) would come up with the instructions,” Anupama, who recently picked up a silver medal at the National Games, told The Bridge.

Fewer points per game

BWF aims to "increase the probability that each point will be more exciting" to add intensity to the game, enhancing fan engagement. The federation believes shorter matches will improve scheduling, sustain interest, and benefit player health and longevity.

Explaining the reasons behind the deliberation on the new scoring system, BWF said: “Compared to the current system, 3x15 has fewer points per game, which increases the probability that each point will be more exciting. Compared to the current system, 3x15 reaches the end points in games faster and strikes the best balance of excitement, both in each game and in the overall number of games.”

BWF argues that the 3x15 system lowers the number of rallies and offers a 'more consistent length of games'.

The new scoring system has taken the badminton fraternity by storm, putting players, coaches, and physios on alert, as it could fundamentally reshape the game.

Players will now look to get off the blocks quickly and seize the initiative.

“I am a bit of a slow starter; I have to admit that. But now, in the 15-point system, I have to start a bit quick and aggressive as I have to play an attacking game,” said Anupama, adding that stamina will make a difference.

“The only difference will be stamina. Now, we have the stamina for playing 3x21, but we do not have to use that much stamina in the new system," she observed.

Reduced versatility?

The proposed scoring system will speed up the game but may reduce the versatility and strategic depth of the 3x21 system. With minimal room for comebacks, the 15-point system is likely to favour the players who start strong.

“The playing style will be different from now. Most of the players will start playing an attacking game from the beginning because it will add a lot of pressure on the opponents as you have only 15 points to win,” observed Anupama, a former BWF World Junior No. 1.

Drawing from her experience in the 15-point system, the 19-year-old recalled, “I played in both 5x11 as well as 3x15 point system, when I used to play the qualifiers for the Nationals. I used to face a lot of pressure because opponents can easily put pressure on you. So definitely, everyone has to be charged up and start aggressively from the very first point.”

This season, Anupama will play in several international challengers and masters tournaments, the Grade 3 tournaments where BWF will trial the 3x15 system. Adapting to the change, the trainee at Hyderabad's Pullela Gopichand Academy said, “I need to play more aggressively in practice matches.”

“In the beginning, it is going to be tough for everyone to adapt. Many players might feel upset, but I think it is going to be a fun and great experience to play in the new scoring system. Now the matches would be shorter, so they will not be as long as the 70-minute matches in the 21-point system,” she observed.

However, a one-dimensional aggressive game is likely to make the coaches’ job more challenging.

“In this system, players will read the game faster, so coaches must be more alert to analyse opponents and adjust strategies. Now, we will break at 8 points. It is going to be challenging for all of us,” said the former National Games gold medallist.

The newly proposed 3x15 scoring system will be put under trial in selected competitions for at least six months, starting in April this year.

BWF said it will survey key stakeholders at each tournament and conduct an overall survey of all Members, Athletes’ Commissions (players), technical officials, and commercial partners near the end of the testing period.

While the BWF's ultimate goal is to enhance the fan experience by making matches shorter and more engaging, a three-game match in the 21-point system can still stretch up to 70 minutes, testing players’ endurance - an aspect that adds to the thrill. As for expanding the sport's viewership base, BWF must also refine its broadcasting strategy, improve player-media engagement, and optimize scheduling.

The BWF Council said the proposed system would help them churn out a better schedule to benefit players, who often struggle to cope with continuous travel and play.

The decision about the proposed scoring system will be tabled during the ‘BWF Annual General Meeting in April 2026'.

‘System should ensure fairness'

While the Council, the decision-making body of the BWF's governing body, offered its perspective, Gaurav Khanna, the head coach of the Indian para-badminton team, emphasised the need for implementation through 'player feedback, trial results, and voting by member associations'.

“BWF has tested various formats over the years, including 11x5 and 15x3. Such discussions are crucial as the sport evolves. We adopted the current 3x21 rally point scoring system amidst initial criticism, but players gradually adapted,” Khanna told this website.

While the new scoring system aims to make the game more intense and reduce the toll on players’ health, Khanna said it could impact ‘strategic endurance play’.

“While the proposed scoring system promises faster, more intense gameplay and may reduce physical strain on players, there are concerns about limited comeback opportunities and the impact on strategic endurance play,” he stated.

Regarding potential challenges for para-badminton players, Khanna emphasised the need to restore the game's core elements.

“Badminton has always been a sport of skill, stamina, and mental resilience, and any scoring change should preserve these core elements," opines Khanna.

According to him, wheelchair players in particular could be impacted owing to the smaller court area. "Certain players, particularly wheelchair players, may be more affected due to the smaller court area in singles and increased chances of unforced errors, which may lead to an early finish of a match without much opportunity to make a comeback," he stated.

That said he is confident that changes will only be implemented after thorough player feedback, trial results, and voting by member associations.

"It is crucial that any new system ensures fairness across all classifications," suggested Khanna.