The Rally Point System Musings

 

The badminton 21x3 point format is also known as the rally point system introduced by BWF in 2006. It is interesting to note how badminton players are trained and attuned to this format which have been adopted in almost every major badminton game and tournament globally for 18 years.

 From observations, consciously or not, when two players from different training background and with different styles of play, vie off in the first set, they are likely not aware of eithers' style of play. This is an exploratory set or probing or testing phase. The result of this first set will likely be influenced by the following factors:

 1. The stronger and higher level player will likely win. The player who moves well, executes well with confidence and commits less errors will have the advantage.

2. The player who can adjust to the environment and conditions quicker, be it shuttle speed, court draft, crowd distraction and opponent's game style will have the advantage. As there is a break at 11 points, coaches are allowed to offer suggestions, tips and tactics to the player. The player who has the ability to adjust and adapt to the situation in the remaining 11 points will likely have the game in his/her favour.

3. Experienced players who have gone through the path of least resistance so to speak, the one who can read and avoid playing to opponent's game strength, who knows how to keep opponent guessing, make own's game unpredictable, knows the tricks to break and distract opponents rhythm etc. will likely have the upper hand.

As the rally format is played over the best of 3 sets, the second set now gives the losing player an opportunity to reflect back and regather or reset his game plans and tactics. By now the player would have an idea what went wrong in the first set and to avoid the pattern of play that will give the  opponent the upper hand. The player who can adapt to changing situations on court and adjust ones game accordingly shows ones maturity in his game to be adaptive. Not all games are won with their best playing style. Some games are won by preventing opponent from playing their preferred way of playing. Seasoned and experienced players even know how to anticipate the opponents' next move by committing early to get the better of the opponent.

As the name implies, the rally format of 21 point system gives opportunity for players to make a  comeback with minor tweaks and adjustments in their game. In a close game point for point contest, the decider will likely go down to the wire in the last 2 to 3 points especially in the 3rd set and how the player sets up the game to finish strongly. Many say this may be a game of chance and likely it is. Still a discerning player who has gone through similar nail biting situations before knows how to avoid to be too eager and how to be patient and wait for the right time.

I've seen games won and lost at close 3 set contest in deuce... sometimes the margins are extremely small in deciding who takes the glory of gold and who takes the silver of despair. Put aside the champagne for celebrations. The losing player will be more determined to come back for a win in the next encounter for a sweet revenge. Rankings and seedings don’t fully guarantee a player anything. To see who gets the better of who over time, they are measured through head to head statistics to decide their bragging rights. Consistency, discipline and self-determination are traits that comes to mind synonymous with the top players who have been through it all.

Happy New Year 2024.