The Science Behind Talent Identification

Sport profiling and talent identification were the key topics in the first seminar of the NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Sport Science Learning Journey.

“This was a really informative session with practical take aways of how science can inform coaches in their decision making process,” NSWIS Director of High Performance B-J Mather said.

Scott Pollock, the National Technical Lead for Swimming Australia, presented on sport profiling and how to cultivate context to enhance decision making.

“Scott discussed the science of performance profiling and how it relates to, and is informed by, the prediction of performance,” B-J said.

“I came to the realisation athletes and coaches have a part to play alongside that science, it’s not just a numbers game but an experience.”

Profiling performance is a more straightforward proposition for sports measured in centimetres, grams and seconds, like swimming and athletics, as there are physical and technical indicators which determine where further performance gains can be made.

“Working back from what Scott showed us, in absolute sports we can build a program and deliver the performance support required to deliver the winning times predicted by the blend of performance profiling and coaching knowledge.”

The first presentation was followed by the Head of National Talent Identification for Olympic Sports and Senior S&C Coach at the Aspire Academy in Qatar presenting on What Is Potential? Interpreting Performance in Youth Track & Field.

“The key take away for me was to investigate how we can work to deliver programs that allow late developers to come through,” B-J said.

“In some sports, we are currently picking the kids who are big and strong but what about those who have the potential to perform?”

Dr Mather explained bio banding is the term used to reference the grouping together of athletes on the basis of the different growth and maturation factors rather than just age, while peak height velocity is the period of time where a child experiences the fastest upward growth in height.

“A high performer at an early age isn’t necessarily going to be a high performer at a later age,” B-J said.

“We need to consider how we challenge early performers and give opportunities to later performers.

“Overall the seminar was of great benefit to our staff and it’s good to see NSWIS taking this initiative so we can learn.”

NSWIS