A Multivariate Recognition Profiling and Classifying for Youth Elite Badminton Players Based on Anthropometric and Fitness Indicators

Background For the purpose of profiling youth athletes, it is necessary to have a multidimensional understanding of the sport of badminton. With the exception of isolated traits, previous research has given little attention to the physiological and anthropometric characteristics that aid performance. Method: 26 elite youth male players aged between 12 and 16 participated in the research, and a set of validated physical and anthropometric evaluations were conducted. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) determined the latent variables, while Discriminant Analysis (DA) determined the competition level classification of the players. Results: EFA identified three latent variables which accounted for 74.29 of the total variance, and these included: (1) Muscular Profile and Functional Leverage (limb circumferences, grip strength, and flexibility), (2) Aerobic Stability and Movement Control (VO₂max, sit-ups, and hand-eye coordination), and (3) Repetitive Stroke Capacity (push-up performance). DA the least flexibility and agility as discriminating variables with a 96.15% classification accuracy. Conclusion: The model, which greatly aids in athlete profiling, personalized training, and talent scouting, indicates that flexibility and agility are the foremost determinants of performance in badminton.