Novel Analysis of Game Performance in Badminton: A Hierarchical Comparative Framework Between BWF Top-Ranking Players and Regional University League Players

This study aimed to identify structural differences in shot characteristics between world-class badminton players and regional collegiate players using a hierarchical comparative framework. Match data were collected from top-ranking players in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Series and from regional university league players. All shots were recorded using a custom VBA-based notational analysis system, including player identity, court position, shot type, and rally outcome. Statistical analyses were conducted using chi-square tests with residual analysis and logistic regression modeling incorporating competitive level and tactical patterns. The results revealed that BWF players exhibited significantly lower error rates and higher proportions of building shots, indicating superior rally stability and tactical consistency. In contrast, collegiate players demonstrated higher variability in performance, including both higher ace rates and error rates. These findings suggest that world-class performance is characterized by the ability to sustain rallies while minimizing errors, rather than relying solely on offensive success. Although effect sizes were relatively small and the predictive performance of the regression model was modest (AUC = 0.53), the analysis successfully captured structural differences in tactical patterns between competitive levels. This supports the value of the model as a tool for understanding game dynamics rather than prediction. From a theoretical perspective, the findings align with the view of sport performance as a dynamic, self-organizing system, where outcomes emerge from interactions between players. Practically, the results suggest that improving defensive stability, reducing errors, and maintaining rally continuity are critical for achieving higher competitive performance. This study demonstrates the usefulness of a hierarchical comparative approach for bridging the gap between domestic and international performance standards and provides a foundation for future data-driven research in badminton.