Establishing important physical and performance characteristics of elite junior tennis (Ref: SSEHS/AFT)

This studentship will seek to better understand the holistic development of elite junior tennis players, by establishing the technical, tactical and physical characteristics of match play and training. The findings will be used to enhance junior players’ training programmes and ultimately support their transition to full-time professional tennis.

This PhD studentship is co-funded by Loughborough University (LU) and Loughborough University National Tennis Academy (LUNTA).

The student will be based at the Loughborough campus, splitting their time between applied practice (e.g., delivering day-to-day performance analysis support to the LUNTA players and coaches) and PhD focused activity (e.g., collecting/analysing data, writing their thesis/manuscripts, etc.).

Interviews will be held during w/c 15 July and 22 July, with short-listed candidates informed via email by Tuesday 9 July.

The successful candidate will enrol on their PhD in October 2024.

94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Anna Fitzpatrick

Entry requirements

Essential

• A first-class or upper second class undergraduate degree relevant for the PhD studentship (e.g., Sport & Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Performance Analysis).
• Experience using performance analysis and/or GPS software (e.g. Hudl SportsCode, Catapult, InPlay, NacSport or similar).
• Tennis-specific knowledge and expertise.
• Experience collecting, analysing, reporting and visualising data from athletes in an applied environment (whether through placement or employment).
• Well-organised, with the ability to manage own workload and multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills evidenced through positive and productive relationships.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Ability to obtain an Enhanced DBS check.

Desirable

• A relevant postgraduate degree with distinction (70%+) and evidence of undertaking empirical research for your Project/Dissertation.
• Experience as a performance analyst within a tennis-specific environment.
• A member of a body related to excellent practice through accreditation, fellowship, and/or registration
• (e.g., IJPAS, UKSCA, BASES, coaching badges, etc.).
• Other relevant qualifications.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

How to apply

All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences. Please quote the advertised reference number: SSEHS/AFT in your application.

To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.

The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.

Apply now

As supporting documentation, please provide: (i) a titled cover letter (300 words max) outlining your motivation, relevant skills and experience; (ii) concisely address each of the essential and desirable criteria using a maximum of 150 words per criteria; (iii) provide a full academic CV; (iv) provide a one-page research proposal related to the PhD studentship title.