Talent Identification and Development in Sport: International Perspectives

Talent Identification and Development in Sport: International Perspectives
Edited by Joseph Baker, Steve Cobley and Jorg Schorer
Abingdon, Oxon / New York, NY
Routledge, 2012
200 pages

A must read for all stakeholders in sport, "Talent Identification and Development: International Perspectives" takes a comprehensive examination at the variables involved along the pathway to sport expertise. Edited by Baker, Cobley and Schorer, the contents within this text cohesively summarizes much of the research performed to date across the globe in the field of talent identification and development.

This text is divided into two sections: Theoretical and conceptual models for understanding talent identification and development and International case studies of talent identification and development. As stated in its title, section one provides the reader with the theoretical background necessary for understanding the variables and mechanisms described in section two. Authored by many of the scientists performing today's research in this field, section two is comprised of a series of case studies from various nations and their respective sports detailing the processes by which, young athletes are identified and developed into international sports experts. From genetic influence to government involvement, the interaction amongst a wealth of variables are described in both their roles as limiting factors and promoters in achieving professional and international success.

For the professionals "in the trenches" of sport, it comes as no surprise that the identification and nurturing of young, talented individuals incorporates a wealth variables that are seemingly difficult to predict and administer. However the purpose of this book, "to provide a 'state of the science' overview of empirical and practical information", may enable the coach, exercise professional, administrator, or other to focus more on the interactors at play that have been grounded in science. Upon reading this text, you will dynamically be compelled to examine your own current practices and provided with conceptual frameworks of both successful and unsuccessful practices.

Although both the authors and editors understand that future research is necessary to solidify our understanding, their summaries provide us with the theoretical and practical knowledge to be able to critically examine modern day practice. It is clear to many that physiological, psychological, and sociological influences play a dynamically interactive role in the pathways to sport expertise but in reading this text, key variables within each certainly come to the forefront.

---