Impact of a new synthetic shuttlecock on badminton performance and player perception

For sustainability reasons, the Badminton World Federation’s initiative to transition from traditional waterfowl-feather shuttlecocks (WFS) to synthetic-feather shuttlecocks (SFS) has introduced equipment changes that could impact gameplay. This study compared the mechanical properties, 3D flight kinematics and player performance outcomes between the new SFS and traditional WFS. Ten SFS and 10 WFS were tested for mass, length, skirt diameter and centre of mass (COM) position. Flight trajectories during simulated smashes and clears were recorded using a 12-camera motion capture system. Additionally, 20 national-level players performed smash and clear tests using both shuttlecock types, with accuracy and subjective perceptions (force, time and control) assessed via a 7-point Likert scale. Results showed that the SFS were lighter (2%), shorter (2%) and had a more anteriorly located COM (0.65%) compared to the WFS. SFS exhibited significantly faster average velocities, lower peak heights (for clears) and straighter flight trajectories. Players were 14% less accurate when smashing the SFS and reported having less time and control compared to using the WFS. No significant differences were observed for player perceptions during clears. These findings suggest that the mechanical differences of the SFS influence both the flight behaviour of the shuttlecock and player responses, particularly during high-velocity shots such as smashes. Adaptation strategies may be necessary for players to optimise performance when using the SFS, especially in competitive settings.