There is no agreement on the exact meaning of the word “talent,” but researchers and practitioners have identified certain properties that are often associated with it (Lidor, 2019). For example, some believe that talent is partly innate, coming from genetically transmitted structures (Howe et al., 1998). Although exceptional talent may not be immediately apparent, there may be early indicators or signs that suggest the presence of talent (Howe et al., 1998). Talent is also relatively domain-specific, meaning it is specific to certain areas, such as music or sports (Howe et al., 1998).
In sports, talent is often associated with two processes: identifying and developing it (Baker et al., 2017). Identifying talent involves discovering people who aren’t currently involved in sports (talent detection), recognizing people who are currently involved in sports but have the potential to become elite athletes (talent identification), and selecting the best athletes for a specific task within a sport (talent selection) (Lidor, Côté, & Hackfort, 2009). Developing talent involves providing the right conditions for athletes to reach their potential (Baker et al., 2017).
More research has been done on how to develop talent than on how to identify it (Baker et al., 2017; Baker, Schorer, & Cobley, 2012). Some important factors to consider when identifying talent include the role of coaches and families, the value of practice, and the age of the athlete. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of talent identification processes (Baker et al., 2017).
Baker, J., Cobley, S., Schorer, J., & Wattie, N. (2017). Talent identification and development in sport An introduction. In J. Baker, S. Cobley, J. Schorer, & N. Wattie (Eds.), Routledge handbook of talent identification and development in sport (pp. 17). London, UK: Routledge.
Baker, J., Schorer, J., & Cobley, S. (2012). Lessons learned The future of research in talent detection and development. In J. Baker, S. Cobley, & J. Schorer (Eds.), Talent identifica- tion and development in sport International perspectives (pp. 166173). London, UK: Routledge.
Howe, M. J. A., Davidson, J. W., & Sloboda, J. A. (1998). Innate talents: Reality or myth? Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 21, 399442.
Lidor, R. (2019). In D. Hackfort, R. J. Schinke, & B. Strauss (Eds.), Dictionary of sport psychology: Sport, exercise, and performing arts. Academic Press.
Lidor, R., Côte ́, J., & Hackfort, D. (2009). To test or not to test? The use of physical skill tests in talent detection and in early phases of sport development. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 7, 131146.
