Physical Education, Sports Medicine and Doping Studies

Biography

Biography: Johan Pion

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: New devices for sports talent developmental programs include applications for detection, orientation, identification and transfer.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A generic test battery the sports compass was presented to optimize the pathway from the detection of the better movers to the survival chances of the elite athletes in their development for sports successes. This implies a reliable and valid tool which is essential in talent research. Moreover, data management and normative and predictive analytics are considered to be crucial for a valid interpretation and to support decision-making of athletes, sports professionals and other stakeholders.

Findings: The different conducted studies related to the sports compass demonstrated that coordinated investments lead to better talent development programs. First, it was demonstrated that the costs for talent identification could be reduced. However one should always be very cautious not losing gifted children. Second, it was shown that it is possible to predict survival chances in elite sport based on the results of a talent identification test battery using linear as well as the more advanced non-linear statistical techniques (neural networks). Third, the studies investigating the chances to succeed are based on a generic approach for talent detection, standing in contrast to the well-known profiling methods for talent detection. Not only do these tests make it possible to discriminate between potential elite and sub elite athletes, they also allow orienting talents towards different sports. The translation from these valid applications resulted into practical tools and the automation of talent tests at different levels.

Conclusion & Significance: The use of the sports compass is an important step forward in closing the gap between science and practice in the area of talent development in sports.