Identifying and developing talented athletes to their fullest potential is a central concern of sport scientists, sports coaches, and sports policy makers. The second edition of this popular text offers a state of the science synthesis of current knowledge in talent identification and development in sport, from the biological basis of talent to the systems and processes within sport through which that talent is nurtured.

Written by a team of leading international experts, the book explores key factors and issues in contemporary sport, including:

• nature and nurture in the development of sporting talent




• designing optimal developmental environments




• long-term modelling of athlete development




• understanding the complexity of talent selection




• in-depth case studies of successful talent development systems.

With an emphasis on practical implications for all those working in sport, the book offers an authoritative evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary systems for identifying and developing talent in sport. This is important reading for any student, researcher, or practitioner with an interest in skill acquisition, youth sport, elite sport, sports coaching, or sports development.