Study Explores How Badminton Coaches Assess Injury Risk in Young Players

A qualitative study published on 11 October 2026 examines how experienced badminton stakeholders assess injury vulnerability during the transition from junior to elite competition.

The researchers interviewed 20 national-level stakeholders, including coaches, athletes, doctors, physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches. Participants discussed pressure, inadequate recovery, training interruptions and changes in behaviour or movement as cues they consider when assessing athletes.

The findings describe professional experience and perceptions, rather than testing whether coaches predict injuries more accurately than algorithms. The authors suggest that these observations could complement objective monitoring, while stressing that further empirical validation is needed.

Source: Sports Medicine – Open.