PhD Studentship: Are golfers practising in an optimal way?

If you walk along any golf range in the world you will undoubtedly see many golfers carrying out what might be termed repetitive 'ball bashing'; which seems to be the default mode of practice for the vast majority of golfers. However, the academic literature would suggest that this is not the best way to practice. Guadagnoli and Lee (2004) put forward the Challenge Point Framework (CPF) which proposes that the optimisation of performance can take place through the management of the feedback available to the learner, which in itself should relate skill level and difficulty. The proposed study will examine practice in golf through the lens of the CPF examining questions such as:

• What are the effects of different practice structures upon learning and retention of skill in golf?
• How can constraints lead coaching influence learning, retention and performance in golf?

Get in touch with Dr Matt Bridge to discuss a proposal.

This PhD is available in both campus based and distance learning modes. For more information on what a PhD by Distance Learning involves see http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/university/colleges/les/distance-learning/dl-phd.aspx

References

Guadagnoli, M.A., & Lee, T.D. (2004) Challenge Point: A Framework for Conceptualizing the Effects of Various Practice Conditions in Motor Learning, Journal of Motor Behavior, Vol. 36, Iss. 2, http://pnb.mcmaster.ca/kinesiology/images/stories/Guadagnoli202620Lee20JMB202004.pdf