Skill & Development

Part of VU's Sport Performance & Business program, the Skill and Development group examines factors that contribute to the development and proficiency of skilled movement.

We aim to develop an understanding of how movements and skills are learnt and controlled. This provides insights that can be applied to optimise the performance of individuals within their chosen setting.

Our research findings have practical applications in many domains, including physical education, sport, exercise and active living.

Skill & development research

The Skill and Development group focuses on understanding how skills are learnt including:

  • methods of practice and other learning-related variables
  • processes that underline motor performance
  • how movements are controlled
  • how learning and control of motor skills vary based on experience and expertise.

The aim is to better understand the relationship that exists between all the factors that play a role in skilled task execution.

Key research areas include:

  • perceptual-cognitive (decision making) skill development
  • psycho-social agents of skill development
  • skill learning
  • skill practice and feedback optimisation
  • talent identification and development.