PRODUCTION OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SPORTS TALENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to systematically review research produced and published across different databases on the detection, identification, and selection of sports talent in children aged 6 to 14 years. Sports talent, as a phenomenon and the result of specific constructs, has been studied globally within the scientific community. However, it remains important to understand where these studies are being conducted. A systematic overview review was carried out using the electronic databases PubMed (PMC) and SPORTDiscus (EBSCO). A total of 4,380 articles were initially identified, but after the review process, only 12 articles remained for analysis. The results showed that most of the studies focused on soccer and were conducted in Europe, although Australia had the highest number of studies when considering individual countries. The studies adopted a multidimensional approach. It is concluded that the reviewed studies only partially addressed early identification of sports talent and point to emerging methods and models for the detection, identification, and selection of young athletic talent.