Differences and relationships between talent detection, identification, development and selection in sport: A...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Talent Development
• Human Performance

Background:

• Existing research on talent identification, development, and selection often addresses stages independently.
• Talent development is a continuous, phased process with distinct tasks and interdependencies at each step.
• Minimizing talent turnover and ensuring process integrity requires clear distinctions and effective measures for each stage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a clear distinction between the stages of the talent cultivation process in sports.
• To identify methods and measures to optimize each stage, thereby minimizing talent turnover.
• To ensure the integrity and continuity of the overall talent development pathway.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Searched the Web of Science database for original English articles on talent detection, identification, development, and selection in sports.
• Included 16 relevant articles for analysis.

Main Results:

• Identified differences and relationships between the four stages of talent cultivation (aim, purpose, approach, emphasis).
• Characterized the relationships as continuous, progressive, complementary, and mutually reinforcing.
• Confirmed that each stage is an integral part of the overall talent training process, not developed in isolation.

Conclusions:

• Enhanced differentiation and strengthened links between talent cultivation stages are crucial for elite athlete development.
• Proposed measures aim to improve phase connections and reduce talent turnover, offering theoretical references for coaches and stakeholders.
• Future research should consider intrinsic linkages between stages and adopt multidimensional approaches to talent training programs.