After obtaining my bachelors in Sport Science in Nice (France), specialising in physical conditioning and coaching, I had the opportunity to do my Honours degree in Pennsylvania (United States of America). Developing a keen interest for human movement science I started my research activities during my Master’s degree focusing on biomechanics and motor control of gait. I specifically analysed the gait of patients with Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD). I pursued my interest in research by doing a PhD at the Laboratory of Physiology and Biomechanics of Locomotion in Belgium.

I am a registered Counselling Psychologist and have a PhD in Sport Science. I have a special interest in Performance Psychology within the sport context and I have consulted the SA National Women’s Hockey Team, the 1st Netball Team of the NWU and various school teams.

Professor Dr. J. Hans de Ridder is a full professor and director of the School of Human Movement Sciences at the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. He is currently a C1 rated researcher of the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa. His current H-Index is 19. He was the receiver in 2002 of the Stals Award and again in 2011 the Albert Strating Award for Preventative Medicine from the South African Academy for Science and Art for his exceptional contribution to kinanthropometry in Africa.