Superior Gaze Strategies of Elite Badminton Players and the Significance of Natural Research Conditions

Gaze behavior and performance of internationally ranked players and “near”-expert players were investigated under field conditions for the game situation service-return in badminton. According to literature, it was assumed that expert players focus more frequently on the racket arm, wrist, and racket of the opponent, while less experienced players focus on the shuttle. Thus, gaze strategy would have an influence on performance. The results contradicted the initial hypotheses: the higher the performance level of the athletes, the more frequently they directed their gaze to the shuttle. Non-professional players were found to focus more often on the upper body and face. To improve gaze behavior in the service situation, on-court drills with focusing on the shuttle region are assumed to be advantageous for athletes of all skill levels. Our research showed that players use other visual search strategies when observing a real opponent then when confronted with a two-dimensional stimulus.