Dr Matt Bridge

• PhD
• BSc
• PGA Level 1 Coach

Programme leader of MSc Sports Coaching degree, lecturer on BA Applied Golf Management Studies and BA Sport, Physical Education and Coaching Science degrees and supervisor of PhD students. Matt chairs the College's eLearning and technology committee and sits on the University's MOOC and Alternative Modes of Delivery working groups.

Matt currently supervises PhD students working on a number of research projects. He is interested in approaches to study for a PhD in both the projects detailed below and in areas related to his general research interests. Current PhD student projects include:

 

• The impact of temporally restricted pre-shot routine on cognitive thought and performance in golf
• The effect of physical interventions on golf swing kinematics
• Developmental pathways of elite golfers
• Coaches' decision making in sport

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Golf

Interest lies in gaining a greater understanding of what leads to maximal golf performance.  Areas of study include using high speed 3D motion analysis to analyse the kinematics and kinetics of the golf swing and their effects on ball flight. Further interests are in developing better performance analysis methods for golf and the optimisation of physical preparation for golf. Future work is planned to look at the application of skill learning theories to develop better golf tuition resulting in increased skill retention and transfer.

Current projects include:

• Full body kinematics and kinetics of the golf swing from Tour Professional to novice.
• The effects of physical limitations on golf swing kinematics.
• The impact of cognitive thought on golf swing performance.
• Variability in golf swing kinematics

Athlete development and talent identification

As sport becomes increasingly professionalised there is the need to develop a greater understanding of the developmental processes and pathways that lead to both elite performance and lifelong participation in sport and exercise. These are mulitfactorial and including physiology, psychology and perhaps most importantly sociological influences.

Current projects include:

• Nationwide analysis of sports persons' playing, practice and participation histories.

Knowledge exchange and impact

Matt has lectured to all the PGAs of Europe at their annual congress about coaching of elite players. Alongside his academic work Matt has consulted to the British Olympic Association and for individuals and teams in a variety of sports including golf, cycling and triathlon.