Muhammad Arnando, Nurul Ihsan, Syafruddin, Weny Sasmitha, Sepriadi
Background. Footwork refers to the movement of the feet that positions the body to effectively anticipate shots and place the shuttlecock in the opponent's court. Objectives. In practice, athletes must move swiftly, nimbly, and quickly without losing balance, maintaining good coordination to execute accurate returns with proper technique. Methods. The design of an appropriate training program can enhance a player's footwork ability in badminton. The foundation of developing a training program relies on initial data obtained through testing and measurement. A valid and reliable instrument is essential for this purpose. The use of digital instruments is highly recommended. Manual methods are still used to measure footwork in badminton to minimize human error, raising concerns about the measurements' accuracy. Results. While digital instruments are available, they have yet to fully capture the actual characteristics and definition of footwork, mainly due to the improper use of equipment (such as rackets) and the inaccurate representation of court dimensions. Therefore, there is a need for a precise, digital-based instrument to measure badminton footwork, ensuring the reliability of the obtained data. This study adopts a Research and Development (R&D) approach, following the Borg and Gall development model. The instrument design is based on a needs analysis, brainstorming sessions with practitioners, and improvements to previous footwork instruments. Conclusions. These instruments are refined to reflect actual court conditions, incorporating specialized sensors developed to collect data digitally and accurately. © 2025, Society of Aging and Physical Activity (SAPA). All rights reserved.
Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Padang, Indonesia