Jonathan Connor

• 0747816550
• jonathan.connor@jcu.edu.au
• 1 James Cook University Drive
  

My research interests are situated in the fascinating intersection of human motor learning, sport performance, and performance psychology. 

I am particularly driven by understanding skill acquisition across different levels of expertise in various sports or high-pressure occupations requiring quick decision-making processes. I am passionate about designing and evaluating practice environments to assist in the development of expert motor- and decision-making skills. Additionally, I enjoy engaging in research that seeks to optimize talent identification and development pathways in the pursuit of developing expertise in any domain. 

Current PhD Projects 

• Enhancing the identification and development of regional female rugby league players within an elite talent pathway
• Measuring the impact of exercise-induced muscle damage following resistance-based training on sport-specific movement skills
• Investigating the effects of head impacts on performance and health in female collision sport athletes
• Towards an understanding of coaches and players engagement with performance analysis for team success in elite female rugby union
• How can coaches optimize the biomechanical parameters of agility and cod performance in team sport athletes?

Current Honours Projects (2024)

• What are the types of mental skills adopted by talented junior cricketers?
• Exploration of movement reinvestment and cognitive strategies of confirmed- and identified-talent level gridiron punters
• It takes a village: Comparing the level of social support experienced by female athletes across the talent pathway

Completed Honours Projects

• Exploring the impact of defensive decision making on Rugby League game performance
  
• Examining the association between motor quotient and children’s physical activity participation during free play
• Does the repeated bout effect following resistance-based training help or hinder sport-specific performance?
• Maintaining performance between-balls: An investigation Into during-performance routines among elite cricket batsmen
• Run the world (Girls): Examining the effect of various feedback approaches on sprint performance in female athletes
  

Advisor Type

Primary

Role

Chair; Independent Academic