Roel Vaeyens

TL;DR: An overview of current knowledge in this area with special focus on problems associated with the identification of gifted adolescents is provided and a conceptual framework that acknowledges both genetic and environmental influences and considers the dynamic and multidimensional nature of sport talent is presented.

TL;DR: Trainers and coaches should be aware of the individual characteristics of the adolescent growth spurt and the training load should also be individualized at this time.

TL;DR: Characteristics that discriminate youth soccer players vary by age group, and Talent identification models should thus be dynamic and provide opportunities for changing parameters in a long-term developmental context.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide field-based data suggesting that an earlier onset and a higher volume of discipline-specific training and competition, and an extended involvement in institutional talent promotion programmes, during adolescence need not necessarily correlate with greater success in senior international elite sport.

TL;DR: Special attention is needed for OW/OB children, especially for those not practicing sports in a club environment, in terms of motor skill improvement to promote regular participation in physical activity.