Physical fitness and conditioning in badminton school matches: a comparison between modalities and sexes

The aim of the present study was to examine physical fitness and conditioning external workload depending on different badminton modalities (badminton (BAD) and mini badminton (BADMini)) and sex. Twenty-eight scholar-age children (16 boys and 12 girls) participated in a two days congested-fixture tournament (84 matches), and external training load was quantified using six antennae ultra-wideband technology. The results showed that different badminton modalities (BAD and BADMini) induce different external workloads. In addition, sex-related differences were found in both modalities. In conclusion, the differences found between both BAD modalities (BAD and BADMini) make suitable the use of space restriction to adapt BAD to scholar badminton players, allowing a walk among elite players and young players. Moreover, sex-related differences found in both modalities demonstrate that the coaches should make individualised training programmes. The quantification of external training load reported would be helpful to provide badminton academy coaches to prepare specific near competition programmes such as tournaments.