Differences and relationships between talent detection, identification, development and selection in sport: A systematic review.

Although there are numerous studies on talent, especially talent identification, development, and selection, both on influencing factors and model construction or talent prediction, they have relatively independently explored some of its stages. Undeniably, talent development is continuous and phased, with specific tasks to be completed at each step, and these steps have certain differences and relationships. The aim of this review is to provide a clear distinction between the entire talent cultivation process, with the purpose of having better methods and measures for each stage to minimize the turnover rate and ensure the integrity of the talent development process. Through searching the Web of Science ™ database, this review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Selected were original articles in English containing data or models related to talent detection/identification/development/selection in sports. A total of 16 articles were included in the study by reviewing the literature. This overview presents the differences and relationships between the four stages of talent cultivation, where these different aspects are aim, purpose, approach, and emphasis. The relationship is characterized by continuity, progressive, complementary, and mutually. This finding shows that each stage is not developed independently, but is an integral part of the talent training process. Additionally, better differentiation and strengthening of the links between the various talent cultivation stages are considered to contribute to elite athlete development. This review highlights the differences and relationships that exist at each stage of talent cultivation. Meanwhile, some measures are also proposed to strengthen the connection of these phases and how to reduce the turnover rate of talent, which can provide theoretical references for coaches or stakeholders. Based on the results of the review, it is also recommended that future research on talent cultivation could take into account the intrinsic linkages between the various stages and develop talent training programs in a multidimensional way.

Validation of “TesTactico for F7”: A tool to analyse Declarative Tactical Knowledge based on a Football Competence Observation System / Validación de “TesTactico para F7”: Una herramienta para analizar el Conocimiento Táctico Declarativo basada en un Sistema de Observación de la Competencia Futbolística / Validação do “TesTactico F7”: Um instrumento para analisar o Conhecimento Tático Declarativo baseado em um Sistema de Observação da Competência Futebolística

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo diseñar y validar una prueba de respuesta múltiple con imágenes de situaciones de juego del fútbol para evaluar el conocimiento táctico declarativo (CTD) del jugador. “TesTactico para F7” (fútbol-7) está compuesto por 62 situaciones de juego relacionadas con los criterios (fases, roles, acciones de los subroles adquiridos, principios operacionales y fundamentales/específicos) del Sistema de Observación de la Competencia Futbolística (FOCOS), analizando 67 variables. El coeficiente de validez de contenido (9.63/10) se estimó mediante grupo de expertos (n=13), calculando grado de acuerdo y aceptación. La validez de constructo se calculó mediante la prueba T-Student para muestras independientes. Participaron 155 jóvenes futbolistas organizados según su competencia futbolística (alta=80; baja=75). El cálculo del tamaño de la muestra post-hoc usando G*Power reveló .93 de poder (d=0.5, p=0.5). Se utilizó la corrección de Bonferroni para controlar la tasa de error familiar en cada criterio. Los resultados reflejaron que el grupo de alto nivel fue mejor en las 67 variables, con diferencias significativas (p ≤ .008) en 38 de ellas. También se calculó el tamaño del efecto d-Cohen para evaluar la magnitud de diferencias que fueron grandes (d = 1.38) para el Promedio Total. La fiabilidad de la herramienta se determinó a nivel inter-observador mediante el índice de concordancia kappa de Fleiss (k = .882), y a nivel intra-observador mediante el método test-retest utilizando kappa de Cohen (k = 1.000). La consistencia interna fue estimada a través del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach (α = .925). El análisis de generalizabilidad mostró también una excelente fiabilidad (G =.985) y una representatividad perfecta (r2 = 1.00), evidenciándose que la variabilidad es explicada por las situaciones de juego que componen el test. Se concluye que el instrumento presenta valores óptimos de validez y confiabilidad. (AU)

This study aimed to design and validate a multi-response test with images of football game-play situations to evaluate the player's declarative tactical knowledge (DTK). “TesTactico for F7” (seven-a-side football) is made up of 62 game-play situations related to the criteria (phases, roles, actions of the acquired subroles, operational and core/specific principles) of the Football Competence Observation System (FOCOS), analysing a total of 67 variables. The content validity coefficient (9.63 out of 10) was estimated via expert group (n=13), calculating the averages of the degree of agreement and acceptance of the experts. The construct validity was calculated using Student's T-testfor independent samples. 155 young football players participated according to their football competence (high-level=80; low-level=75). The post-hoc sample size calculation using G*Power revealed .93 of power (d=0.5, p=0.5). Bonferroni correction was used to control the family-wise error rate in each criterion. The results reflected that the high-level group was better in the 67 variables, with significant differences (p ≤ .008) in 38 of them. Cohen’s d-effect size was also calculated to assess the magnitude of the difference between both groups, which were large (d = 1.38) for the Total Average. The reliability of the tool was determined at the inter-observer level using the Fleiss kappa index of concordance (k = .882), and at the intra-observer level through the test-retest method using the Cohen kappa index (k = 1.000). Internal consistency was estimated through Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α = .925). The generalizability analysis also showed excellent reliability (G = .985) and perfect representativeness(r2 = 1.00), showing that the variability is explained by the game-play situations that make up the test. It is concluded that the instrument shows optimal validity and reliability values (AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo validar um teste de múltipla escolha com imagens de situações de jogo de futebol para avaliar o conhecimento tático declarativo (CTD) do jogador. O "TesTactico F7" (futebol-7) é composto por 62 situações de jogo relacionadas com os critérios do Sistema de Observação da Competência Futebolística (FOCOS), analisando 67 variáveis. O coeficiente de validade de conteúdo (9,63/10) foi estimado por um grupo de especialistas (n=13), calculando o grau de concordância e aceitação. A validade de construto foi calculada usando a T-Student para amostras independentes. Participaram 155 jovens jogadores de futebol, organizados de acordo com sua competência futebolística (alta=80; baixa=75). O cálculo do tamanho da amostra post-hoc usando G*Power revelou poder de 0.93 (d=0.5, p=0.5). A correção de Bonferroni foi usada para controlar a taxa de erro em cada critério. Os resultados mostraram que o grupo de alto nível foi melhor nas 67 variáveis, com diferenças significativas (p ≤ .008) em 38 delas. O tamanho do efeito d-Cohen também foi calculado para avaliar a magnitude das diferenças entre os dois grupos, que foram grandes (d = 1.38) para o Escore Total. A confiabilidade do instrumento foi determinada no nível interobservador pelo índice de concordância Fleiss kappa (k = .882), e no nível intraobservador pelo método teste-reteste usando o kappa de Cohen (k = 1.000). A consistência interna foi estimadapor meio do coeficiente alfa de Cronbach (α = 0,925). A análise de generalização também apresentou excelente confiabilidade (G = .985) e representatividade perfeita (r2 = 1.00), mostrando que a variabilidade é explicada pelas situações de jogo que compõemo teste. Conclui-se que o instrumento apresenta valores ótimos de validade e confiabilidade. (AU)

Perfil dermatoglífico y cualidades físicas predominantes en atletas mexicanos universitarios: estudio exploratorio / Dermatoglyphic Profile and Predominant Physical Qualities in Mexican University Athletes: Exploratory Study

The objective of the study is to analyze the dermatoglyphic profile and its relationship with the predominant physical qualities in university athletes in track and field modalities. A non-experimental design of transverse and exploratory type is presented in a sample of 87 (81%) student-athletes who are part of the representative team of athletics of a public university in Mexico, with an average age of 20.05 ± 2.2 years, 44 (50.6%) men and 43 (49.4%) women. For the measurement and analysis of innate physical potentialities, the technique of fingerprint dermatoglyphics was used. The results show that the most relevant digital formulas are, L>W and W>L with a D10 index (13.3). 83% of the athletes are in the right discipline according to the type of fingerprint, number of designs and lines. The study, provides a reference for future studies or for the detection and selection of talent for athletics. (AU)

El término dermatoglifo se debe a Cummins (glyphe: escritura, grabado; derma: piel) y se refiere a las líneas dermopapilares que se dibujan en los pulpejos de los dedos, las palmas de las manos y las plantas de los pies (Midlo y Cummins, 1942). Y aunque la dermatoglifia, en general, estudia las impresiones o reproducciones de los dibujos formados por las crestas en los pulpejos dactilares de las manos (complejo palmar), dedos (tercera falange) y plantas de los pies (de Abreu-Cruz et al., 2007), en la dermatoglifia enfocada en el estudio de potencialidades físicas en deportistas, se usa exclusivamente el análisis de las huellas de los dedos de las manos, por lo que la nomenclatura más acertada para hablar de esta metodología sería dermatoglifia dactilar deportiva (Gastélum y Guedea, 2017). Las huellas dactilares se forman entre el tercer y sexto mes de vida intrauterina, a la par con el desarrollo del sistema nervioso central (Chakraborty, 1991). (AU)

An IoT/FOG based framework for sports talent identification in COVID-19 like situations.

COVID-19 crippled all the domains of our society. The inevitable lockdowns and social distancing procedures have hit the process of traditional sports talent identification (TiD) severely. This will interrupt the career-excellency of athletes and will also affect the future talent in the years to come. We explore the effect of COVID-19 on sports talent identification and propose an IoT/Fog-based framework for theTiD process during COVID-19 and COVID-like situations. Our proposed novel six-layer model facilitates the sports talent identification remotely using the various latest Information and Communication Technologies like IoT, fog and cloud computing. All the stakeholders like experts, coaches, players, institutes etc. are taken into consideration. The framework is mobile, widely accessible, scalable, cost-effective, secure, platform/location independent and fast. A brief case study of cricket talent identification using the proposed framework is also provided.

Raiders of the Olympic Values: Perception of the Development of Women's Canoeing in Spain for Tokyo 2021.

Although canoeing is one of the oldest sports in the Olympic program, it was not until the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 that women's canoeing was first included in the competition. This fact has posed a challenge to the initiation and technification systems of countries in order to obtain competitive results, particularly in Spain, as it is one of the sports that contributed the most medals to the Olympic medal tally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the promotion and development of talent in women's canoeing in Spain for its first-ever Olympic participation. For this purpose, an analytical survey (n = 167) was carried out, the answers to which were contrasted by gender and modality practiced. The results showed a positive evaluation of the current position in flatwater female canoeing regarding talent that is consistent with the competitive results achieved. Additionally, we found that the gender of the respondents influences their perception of the age of sport initiation and the suitability of the progression in the competition systems for the promotion of women's canoeing in Spain. Therefore, the results of the questionnaire will facilitate a quick diagnosis of critical aspects by sport managers, allowing them to take corrective actions in time for the development of female canoeists and, at the same time, to promote future studies that delve deeper into these topics.

Criterios de especialistas sobre indicadores técnico-tácticos de selección deportiva por funciones del juego en fútbol

La modelación del entrenamiento deportivo en el fútbol debe considerar principios tales como la especialización y especificidad deportiva, pues las distintas funciones del juego evidencian notables modificaciones en la aplicación de los estímulos físicos; por lo cual, hay que tener presente ciertos indicadores para el entrenamiento y la selección deportiva. En tal sentido, el propósito a investigar consistió en validar teóricamente la importancia de algunos indicadores técnico-tácticos de la selección deportiva por funciones del juego en fútbol. En la investigación se utilizó el método descriptivo-explicativo de orden correlacional. Se estudiaron criterios de 14 especialistas, a partir de una aplicación de encuestas y entrevistas. En estas se analizó la importancia teórica de ocho indicadores del rendimiento técnico-táctico, con vistas a elaborar a futuro una metodología para la búsqueda y selección de talentos del fútbol por funciones del juego. El indicador Jugadores por perfiles de juego de nivel internacional alcanzó el mayor puntaje (4.86), seguido del indicador establecer indicadores específicos por perfiles del juego (4.71), el indicador determinación de las características fundamentales de los perfiles de juego (4.36), el indicador establecimiento de los perfiles del juego (3.79), el indicador determinación de las exigencias del fútbol (3.64). La visión del campo (3.57), la actitud (3.21) y la comunicación (2.86) presentaron respectivamente los menores puntajes alcanzados. Se evidenció el impacto de los ocho indicadores analizados, siendo más importantes los relacionados con el rendimiento técnico-táctico que los del rendimiento psicológico y/o táctico. Los indicadores poseen una relevancia entre media a alta, considerando la necesidad de incorporarlos en una metodología especializada para la selección de talentos del fútbol por funciones del juego.

A modelagem do treinamento esportivo no futebol deve considerar princípios como especialização e especificidade esportiva, uma vez que as diferentes funções do jogo mostram modificações notáveis na aplicação de estímulos físicos; portanto, certos indicadores para treinamento e seleção esportiva devem ser levados em consideração. Neste sentido, o objetivo da pesquisa foi validar teoricamente a importância de alguns indicadores técnico-táticos da seleção esportiva por funções do jogo no futebol. O método descritivo-explicativo de ordem correlacional foi usado na pesquisa. Foram estudados os critérios de 14 especialistas, com base na aplicação de pesquisas e entrevistas. Foi analisada a importância teórica de oito indicadores de desempenho técnico-táctico, com o objetivo de desenvolver uma metodologia para a busca e seleção futura de talentos de futebol por funções de jogo. O indicador Jogadores por perfis de jogo de nível internacional alcançou a maior pontuação (4,86), seguido pelo indicador que estabelece indicadores específicos por perfis de jogo (4,71), o indicador que determina as características fundamentais dos perfis de jogo (4,36), o indicador que estabelece perfis de jogo (3,79), o indicador que determina as demandas do futebol (3,64). A visão de campo (3,57), atitude (3,21) e comunicação (2,86) tiveram as notas mais baixas, respectivamente. O impacto dos oito indicadores analisados foi evidente, sendo os relacionados ao desempenho técnico-tático mais importantes do que os relacionados ao desempenho psicológico e/ou tático. Os indicadores têm uma relevância média a alta, considerando a necessidade de incorporá-los em uma metodologia especializada para a seleção de talentos de futebol por funções de jogo.

The modeling of sports training in soccer should consider principles such as specialization and sport specificity, since the different functions of the game show significant changes in the application of physical stimuli; therefore, certain indicators for training and sport selection should be taken into account. In this sense, the purpose of the research was to theoretically validate the importance of some technical-tactical indicators of sport selection by functions of the game in soccer. The descriptive-explanatory method of correlational order was used in the research. The criteria of 14 specialists were studied, based on the application of surveys and interviews. In these, the theoretical importance of eight indicators of technical-tactical performance was analyzed, with a view to elaborating in the future a methodology for the search and selection of soccer talents by game functions. The indicator Players by game profiles of international level reached the highest score (4.86), followed by the indicator establishing specific indicators by game profiles (4.71), the indicator determining the fundamental characteristics of game profiles (4.36), the indicator establishing game profiles (3.79), the indicator determining the demands of soccer (3.64). The vision of the field (3.57), attitude (3.21) and communication (2.86) presented respectively the lowest scores achieved. The impact of the eight indicators analyzed was evident, with those related to technical tactical performance being more important than those related to psychological and/or tactical performance. The indicators have a medium to high relevance, considering the need to incorporate them in a specialized methodology for the selection of soccer talent by game functions.

Indicadores de rendimiento deportivo para el proceso de selección del lanzador abridor / Indicadores de desempenho esportivo para o processo de seleção de batedores iniciais / Sports performance indicators for the opening pitcher selection process

RESUMEN El talento deportivo no se define por una sola capacidad, sino por la interrelación y complementación, lo que implica análisis y valoraciones integrales. En el béisbol, a pesar de que cuenta con programas de preparación del deportista, actualizados y de parámetros establecidos para la selección deportiva, aún continúan siendo deficientes los indicadores que permiten una selección objetiva para cumplir funciones especializadas, lo que constituye un aspecto de esencial importancia en el desempeño competitivo contemporáneo. Sin embargo, en el proceso de conformación de los equipos a participar en campeonatos nacionales, se evidencian insuficiencias que limitan la calidad de su alcance. De ahí que el objetivo general de la investigación consistió en proponer indicadores de rendimiento deportivo para el proceso de selección del lanzador abridor, en la conformación de equipos de béisbol de alto rendimiento en la Isla de la Juventud. Se seleccionó una muestra compuesta por 11 lanzadores de béisbol de la categoría juvenil de la Isla de la Juventud que representa el 52,38 % de la población; de ellos, ocho son derechos que representan el 72.72 % y tres zurdos que representan el 27.27 %, además de cuatro entrenadores que representan el 19,04 % y 6 especialistas que representan 28,57 % de la población. Los métodos de investigación empleados fueron la observación, revisión de documentos normativos que rigen el proceso de selección deportiva en el béisbol, la encuesta a entrenadores y el criterio de especialistas, lo que permitió identificar la inexistencia de una herramienta que oriente la labor del profesor deportivo en lo referido a la selección de los lanzadores abridores.

RESUMO O talento esportivo não é definido por uma única capacidade, senão pela inter-relação e complementação, que envolve análise e avaliações abrangentes. No beisebol, apesar de ter atualizado programas de preparação dos atletas e estabelecido parâmetros para a seleção esportiva, os indicadores que permitem uma seleção objetiva para cumprir funções especializadas ainda são deficientes, o que é um aspecto de importância essencial no desempenho competitivo contemporâneo. Entretanto, no processo de conformação das equipes para participar de campeonatos nacionais, existem insuficiências que limitam a qualidade de seu escopo. Assim, o objetivo geral da pesquisa foi propor indicadores de desempenho esportivo para o processo de seleção do arremessador titular, na conformação de equipes de beisebol de alto rendimento na Ilha da Juventude. Foi selecionada uma amostra composta por 11 jogadores de beisebol da categoria jovem da Ilha da Juventude, representando 52,38 % da população; oito deles são destros, representando 72,72 % e três são canhotos, representando 27,27 %, além de quatro treinadores representando 19,04 % e 6 especialistas representando 28,57 % da população. Os métodos de pesquisa utilizados foram a observação, a revisão de documentos normativos que regem o processo de seleção esportiva no beisebol, o levantamento dos treinadores e os critérios dos especialistas, o que permitiu identificar a inexistência de uma ferramenta para orientar o trabalho do professor de esportes em relação à seleção dos arremessadores iniciantes.

ABSTRACT Sports talent is not defined by a single capacity, but by the interrelation and complementation, which implies comprehensive analysis and assessments. In baseball, in spite of having updated athlete preparation programs and established parameters for sports selection, the indicators that allow an objective selection to fulfill specialized functions are still deficient, which is an aspect of essential importance in contemporary competitive performance. However, in the process of forming the teams to participate in national championships, there are insufficiencies that limit the quality of their scope. Hence, the general objective of the research consisted in proposing sports performance indicators for the selection process of the opening pitcher, in the conformation of high performance baseball teams in La Isla de la Juventud. A sample composed of 11 baseball pitchers of the youth category of La Isla de la Juventud was selected, representing 52.38 % of the population; of them, eight are right-handed representing 72.72 % and three are left-handed representing 27.27 %, in addition to four coaches representing 19.04 % and 6 specialists representing 28.57 % of the population. The research methods used were observation, review of regulatory documents governing the process of sports selection in baseball, the survey of coaches and the criteria of specialists, which allowed identifying the lack of a tool to guide the work of the sports teacher in relation to the selection of the opening pitchers.

From Talent Identification to Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB): Multifactorial Analysis of the Career Progression in Youth Brazilian Elite Basketball.

This study examined individual, task, and environmental constraints that influence the career progression of youth Brazilian elite basketball players and the probability of reaching Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) and to determine if the association of the relative age effect (RAE) is a key factor in the career progression. The sample consisted of 4,692 male players who were registered to participate in at least one U15, U17, or U22 youth Brazilian basketball championship between 2004 and 2018. Athletes who reached a high-performance level were coded like NBB players (9.6%). The birthdates, height, body mass, playing position, geographic region, club, competition category, and team performance were retrieved from the official data archive of the Brazilian Basketball Confederation and the National Basketball League. The maturity status was estimated using the predicted age at peak height velocity. A binary logistic regression examined the influence of each characteristic on the probability of a youth Brazilian basketball player to reach the NBB. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the associated area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the discriminant ability of the model. The taller and younger players not selected early into national teams, without specialization by playing position, who participated in U22 national championship, migrated to the southeast region, and remained in the formation process over time have a greater chance to reach the NBB. The ROC curve demonstrated an AUC of 93%. A combination of individual, task, and environmental characteristics influences the sport career of a young Brazilian basketball player in reaching the NBB. Further, early-maturing athletes have a greater chance to reach higher performances. RAE influences lower-level categories, but not a "NBB player's" career progression. The coaches, stakeholders, and practitioners should perform a holistic evaluation of sport talent in terms of a constraint-based theoretical model with the aim of avoiding bias produced by the maturational status and RAE in the youth Brazilian elite basketball.

Kids motor performances datasets.

These datasets described the data of the Motor Performance Index for 7 years old kids in Malaysia based on Malaysia's physical fitness test SEGAK. This database has been designed and created with data analysis to create the index from the factor and variable of the test and the test was conducted in the majority of the national primary school in Malaysia. Gender, state of origin, and residential location of the school were the factors used to categorize the participant of the test. The factor of age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), power, flexibility, coordination, and speed were used for the measurement to relate with the participant's physical fitness. Kids Motor Performances Index data can be reused for talent identification in sport talent scout and to create a baseline for kid's biology growth specifically in gross motor skills and cognitive growth measurement.

Estudio técnico y biomédico para detectar talentos en atletismo / Technical and biomedical study to detect talents athletics

Introducción: La detección de talentos deportivos para el atletismo correspondiente a un rango etario promedio entre los 10 y 11 años (ambos sexos) se basa en el rendimiento físico obtenido mediante pruebas de valoración del rendimiento deportivo establecidas en la literatura. Delimitar indicadores físicos y médico-biológicos permite gestionar eficientemente el proceso de dirección del entrenamiento deportivo. Objetivo: Determinar el comportamiento físico y biomédico de los estudiantes de perspectivas deportivas, con el propósito de identificar talentos deportivos para la práctica del atletismo. Métodos: Bajo un muestreo intencional se seleccionó a 26 alumnos de perspectivas deportivas entre 11-12 años (12 sujetos del sexo femenino y 14 sujetos del masculino) entrenados en la Escuela Obdulio Morales Torres, aplicándole ocho pruebas físicas y biomédicas para determinar sus potencialidades reales para la selección deportiva del atletismo cubano. Resultados: Se establecieron medias colectivas que para el sexo femenino se ubicaron en 37,08 puntos (Rendimiento Bien), y el masculino en 33,29 (Rendimiento Regular). Al menos 12 sujetos (talentos deportivos) de ambos sexos presentaron indicadores altos a tener en cuenta para la selección deportiva en diversas modalidades del atletismo, 9 se calificaron como reserva deportiva y 5 sin condiciones. Conclusiones: Las pruebas de mayor relevancia para las niñas de 10 años fueron la rapidez y la resistencia, y en los niños de 11 años la rapidez y el salto de longitud con carrera de impulso. Los resultados obtenidos permiten ubicar a los alumnos con perspectivas de acuerdo con los eventos de velocidad, saltos, lanzamientos y eventos múltiples según sus resultados(AU)

Introduction: The sport talents detection for athletics corresponding to an average age range between 10 and 11 years old (both sexes) is based on physical performance obtained through sports performance assessment tests established in the literature. Delimiting physical and medical-biological indicators allows the management process of sports training to be efficiently managed. Objective: To determine the physical and biomedical behavior of sports perspectives students, with the purpose of identifying sport talents for the athletics practice. Methods: Under an intentional sampling, 26 students of sports perspectives were selected between 11-12 years old (12 female subjects and 14 male subjects) trained in the Obdulio Morales Torres School, applying eight physical and biomedical tests to determine their Real potentials for the Cuban athletics sports selection. Results: Collective arithmetic means were established, for the female sex they were located in 37.08 points (Good Performance), and masculine in 33.29 (Regular Performance). At least 12 subjects (sports talents) of both sexes presented high indicators to be taken into account for sport selection in various athletics modalities, 9 were qualified as sports reserve and 5 without conditions. Conclusions: The most relevant tests for 10-year-old girls were speed and resistance. In 11 years old boys the speed and long jump with momentum were the best passed tests of athletics. The obtained results allow to locate the students with perspectives according to events of speed, jumps, throws and multiple events according to their results(AU)

Desempenho esportivo no judô olímpico brasileiro: o talento é precoce? / Performance in the olympic brazilian judo: is talent too young?

O judô brasileiro é uma modalidade que possui tradição olímpica. Entretanto, sobre o processo de formação de judocas brasileiros, não se conhece o momento em que o talento se manifesta na modalidade. Tal problemática não é exclusiva do judô e se estende ao contexto popular, no qual ainda é comum a crença de que o talento pode ser observado precocemente numa criança. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a manifestação do talento em judocas olímpicos brasileiros. Para tanto, se utilizou uma amostra de seis judocas, pertencentes a seleção brasileira olímpica nos Jogos Olímpicos de Atenas, 2004. A pesquisa foi constituída através de um delineamento qualitativo, que utilizou como instrumento uma entrevista composta por uma pergunta aberta, elaborada para explorar o contexto de iniciação esportiva no judô. Para a análise dos resultados foi utilizado o “Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo”. Os discursos indicaram que a maioria dos judocas olímpicos brasileiros analisados (83,3%) não foram talentos precoces, fortalecendo a idéia de que não há, em regra, uma relação de estabilidade entre o desempenho inicial e o desempenho futuro. Em outras palavras, selecionar precocemente com base no desempenho inicial é um risco para o processo de promoção de talentos.

Brazilian Judo is a Sport that has Olympic tradition. Nevertheless, the talent blooming timing is not known. This is not a Judo problem only, since it’s a popular costume to look for talent even in very young athletes. The aim of this study was to analyze talent blooming in Olympic Judo Brazilian athletes. Six athletes from the Olympic team that went to Athens, 2004 were studied. Research was qualitative and the instrument used was a open question interview that was designed to investigate the initiation process in Judo. Results were analyzed using the “Collective subject speech”. Speeches analyzed showed that most of the athletes analyzed (83.3%) weren´t young talents, reinforcing the idea that there is no warranty of a good performance in the future, because the athlete performs well when he´s young. In other words, selecting athletes precociously is a risk to the talent development process.

Desenvolvimento e validação de um novo sistema de seleção de talentos para a ginástica olímpica feminina: a Bateria PDGO / Development and validation of a new system for talent selection in female artistic gymnastics: the PDGO Battery

A ginástica olímpica (GO) envolve atividades motoras que exigem capacidades específicas. Todavia, há carência de testes para detectar o potencial para o desempenho na GO em idades precoces. Este estudo descreve e apresenta evidências da validade de uma bateria de testes para a seleção de talentos para GO feminina. Inicialmente, foram levantadas as atividades que vêm sendo aplicadas por especialistas em GO, na literatura e por consulta através de questionários. A partir das 30 atividades mencionadas, foi delineada uma bateria de testes com 22 atividades, aplicada em 55 crianças de cinco a nove anos de idade. Com uso de técnicas de análise fatorial, os escores fatoriais individuais foram calculados para o primeiro fator, sendo adotados como variável independente representativa do potencial das crianças para o desempenho em GO (PDGO). Uma regressão múltipla passo a passo gerou uma equação por meio da qual o PDGO era estimado a partir de apenas oito atividades. A validade cruzada da bateria e do índice PDGO foi verificada em 16 ginastas experientes e 19 crianças de escolinha. As primeiras obtiveram médias significativamente maiores (PDGO = 85,1) que as últimas (PDGO = 54,8), indicando que a bateria discriminou bem o potencial geral para o desempenho. Confirmou-se a validade construto com base na estrutura da análise fatorial, já que as atividades agruparam-se em torno de uma única dimensão do desempenho motor. Para a fidedignidade inter e intra-observadores, obtiveram-se correlações de 0,83 a 1,00, sem diferenças entre as médias nas situações observadas. Conclui-se que a bateria de testes, além de ser de aplicação rápida, simples, de baixo custo e fácil entendimento, reveste-se de validade e reprodutibilidade, podendo ser aplicada na seleção inicial de talentos para a GO. Estudos adicionais, porém, deveriam ser conduzidos para confirmação dos presentes resultados, envolvendo amostras maiores e abordagem longitudinal para estabelecimento da validade preditiva do...

The artistic gymnastics (AG) is based on a wide range of motor activities that require specific capacities. However, tests to detect the potential for its excellence in early ages are still lacking. The purpose of the present study was to develop a test for talent selection in female artistic gymnastics. The activities used by Brazilian specialists were investigated by questionnaire and the international literature was reviewed. The 30 mentioned activities were compiled in a 22-test battery that was applied in 55 children of 5 to 9 years-old. Results obtained were treated by principal component factor analysis. Individual factor scores were extracted from the first factor, which were adopted as an indicator of the performance potential in artistic gymnastics (PPAG). At last, a stepwise multiple regression was calculated, using the factor scores as independent variable, producing an equation with eight activities to estimate PPAG. Construct validity, cross validity and reliability of the equation were tested. Sixteen experienced gymnasts and 19 apprentices were tested for cross validation. Mean PPAG found for the gymnasts (85.11) was significantly higher than data for the apprentices (54.80), indicating that the battery can discriminate the performance potential. Construct validity was confirmed by exploratory factor analysis, suggesting that the activities were related to a similar dimension of motor performance. Inter- and intra-observers reliability was tested by linear correlation and Student t test. The correlation values ranged between 0.83 and 1.00 (p < 0.05). No differences were detected between the means in all test situations. In conclusion, the application of the proposed battery revealed to be fast and simple, as well associated with low cost and easy understanding. Furthermore, data suggested that it has good validity and reproducibility, authorizing its application in initial talent selection for AG. However, additional studies should be...