The module aims to examine the concepts and processes underpinning talent development in sport. Students are introduced to some of the key theories (e.g., Deliberate Practice) and debates (e.g., nature vs. nurture) in the field, as well as the various talent pathways (e.g., Developmental Model of Sports Participation).
With this underpinning knowledge, a range of applied talent development models are then covered and critiqued to identify their respective positives and negatives on athlete development. With this, students are expected to demonstrate a holistic understanding of how various pathways affect performance from a biopsychosocial perspective. To facilitate this, students will be exposed to the various methods employed to quantify performance and thus development.
Lastly, the module introduces and then critiques various issues around the topic area (e.g., relative age effect), and the ways in which research/practitioners have attempted to facilitate talent development employing contemporary techniques (e.g., bio-banding).