The identification and development of talent have always been a relevant topic in sports performance. In fact, a significant body of research is available worldwide discussing this longitudinal process, the qualities that underpin elite sports performance, and how coaches can facilitate the developmental process of talented athletes. Despite the continued interest given to issues of talent identification and development, recent literature highlights the low predictive value of applied and theoretical talent identification models.

Talent is the expression of a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, where, despite the existing practical recommendations, many coaches and stakeholders continue to fail to adequately value the distinction between growth, maturation, and training age. Technological resources have enabled important advances, however, this has been limited essentially to defining or validating motor skills variables or genetic markers that characterize the most talented athletes. Emerging technological resources and recent methodological advances are enabling integrated assessment and monitoring to include maturational, physiological, biomechanical and perceptual skills while also creating optimal environments for performance and dealing with injury prevention and recovery.

This Research Topic aims to combine empirical research and theoretical models that contribute to the advancement of knowledge related to performance analysis in sport, specifically in relation to its role in talent identification and athlete development. How this knowledge should be applied, both in organizational structures (sport clubs, youth academies, national federations, research units), and in strategic policies that have the responsibility to promote and foster long-term performance, youth participation, and personal development is also of interest. Moreover, articles that highlight recent methodological and technological advances to validate new variables and their potential influence on talent identification and development are welcome.

This Research Topic aims to collate applied research from experts within the field of talent identification and development and performance analysis in sports. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
• The use of technologies (e.g., tracking systems, eye-tracking, integrated surface-electromyography, motion capture system, and wearable metabolic systems) to measure and analyze talent in youth sport
• Methodological advances in analyzing talent in youth sport
• Measurement and analysis of physical, technical and tactical behaviors in youth sport
• Non-linear approaches in talent identification and sport performance
• The effect of creativity developmental programs in talent development
• Cultural aspects in talent development: bioecological models

Research of an empirical nature, qualitative, quantitative or mixed analyses, but also Case Reports will be considered. Also, conceptual papers and Reviews are welcome to synthesize expert knowledge within youth sport.

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Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

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