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Unnatural selection: talent identification and development in sport.
Angela Abbott1, Chris Button, Gert-Jan Pepping
1University of Edinburgh, UK.
Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences
|January 5, 2005
Summary
Early talent identification (TI) in sports often relies on limited measures. This study proposes a dynamic systems approach, emphasizing long-term development over premature selection for better athlete potential discovery.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Talent Identification
- Dynamical Systems Theory
Background:
- Early identification of talented individuals is crucial across performance domains.
- Current sport talent identification (TI) schemes often use discrete, unidimensional measures during unstable developmental periods.
- Existing TI models may overemphasize early selection rather than sustained development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revise the concept of talent as a complex, dynamical system.
- To integrate nonlinear dynamics concepts into talent identification approaches.
- To propose a revised model for talent identification and development.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual revision of talent as a dynamical system.
- Application of nonlinear dynamics concepts (e.g., sensitivity to initial conditions, transitions) to TI.
- Development of a generic model for talent identification and development.
Main Results:
- Talent emerges from the interaction of psychological, motor, and physical determinants.
- Nonlinear dynamics concepts offer new perspectives on TI.
- Current TI models often prioritize early identification over development.
Conclusions:
- A dynamical systems perspective provides a more holistic view of talent.
- Future TI research should focus on long-term development pathways.
- A proposed generic model offers a framework for improved talent identification and development practices.