PROJECT

Technical changes in the tennis serve during match play and training

The more technique changes, the more it stays the same ... approaches to evaluate changes in serve mechanics

 

The tennis serve is the most important technical skill in the sport. Its mechanics have been researched extensively but almost always among sub-elite populations and generally in discrete fashion.

This inability to track and evaluate serve performance over time – be that over the course of a match, a practice session or even from one year to the next – is at least partly attributable to the constraints of modern technology.

The use of biomechanical measurement and computer vision techniques to create and analyse large data-sets of three-dimensional joint coordinate data present as a novel opportunity for players and coaches to address this gap. 

UWA will therefore partner with Tennis Australia to evaluate and recommend a scalable technology-led approach to monitoring of service mechanics of elite players.

The successful applicant will be expected to be comfortable in applied sport settings, and capable of using and interpreting a mix of inertial sensor, 3D motion capture techniques and other emerging computer vision techniques.



How to apply

Interested in becoming part of this project? Complete the following steps to submit your expression of interest:

Step 1 - Check criteria

General UWA PhD entrance requirements can be found on the Future Students website.

Requirements specific to this project:

  • Proven knowledge of sport and and biomechanics methods (essential)
  • Proficiency in coding languages like matlab, python or R (preferred)
  • Computer science background (preferred)

Step 2 - Submit enquiry to research team leader

Step 3 - Lodge application

After you have discussed your project with the research team leader, you should be in a position to proceed to the next step of the UWA application process: Lodge an application. Different application procedures apply to domestic and international students.


Scholarship specific to this project
  • A PhD scholarship of $30,000 per annum is available.
Domestic students

All domestic students may apply for Research Training Program and University Postgraduate Awards (UPA) scholarships

International students

A range of scholarships are available from international organisations and governments. The full list, organised by country, is available on the Future Students website.

In addition, all international students may apply for International Research Training Program scholarships.

Indigenous students
Indigenous students are encouraged to apply for Indigenous Postgraduate Research Supplementary Scholarships.
Forrest Foundation scholarships
All international and Australian students who wish to study towards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at The University of Western Australia may apply for Forrest Scholarships.
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Prestigious postgraduate research scholarships support graduate research training by enabling students of exceptional research promise to undertake higher degrees by research at the University.