32 research outputs found
The trajectory to elite level: an investigation of the individual and environmental features of within career transitions in sport
Get PDFWhile much of the âsport transitionsâ literature focusses on the âend of careerâ, research focussing on within career transitions in sport has identified a number of challenging transitions, for example, the move from junior to senior sport. While there is some very focussed (e.g., Scandinavian context) quantitative research that has been conducted, our understanding regarding the factors that contribute to the adjustment of athletes through within career sport transitions is mainly based from qualitative methodologies. It is clear that there are a number of important transitions on the path to elite sport, which may vary depending on factors such as sport and culture (e.g. diversification to specialising; junior to senior; academy to professional; elite to super elite; continued longevity of success). Continuing to broaden and deepen our understanding in this area will help both researchers and practitioners working with athletes on this pathway. As such, the objectives of this thesis are to: 1) Understand the predictive factors of adjustment and satisfaction through important within career sport transitions; 2) Investigate the individual, environmental and experiential features that are associated with successful and unsuccessful transitions to elite level sport 3) Investigate the individual characteristics and environmental features of a highly successful world class elite development program.These three thesis objectives were achieved through four aims and associated studies. Specifically: a) Examining the junior to senior transition experiences of a cross-cultural population using the Transition Monitoring Survey, b) Examining the individual and environmental characteristics, and developmental experiences of athletes who successfully negotiated the transition to elite level through qualitative methodology, c) Examining the individual and environmental characteristics, and developmental experiences of athletes who were unsuccessful in negotiating the transition to elite level, through qualitative methodology, iii and d) Examining the mechanisms that underpin the success of an independent triathlon program in developing elite world-class level athletes, using a qualitative approach.Subtleties of the trajectory were identified and interestingly athletes who successfully progressed to elite level made a choice to commit to their sport after taking part in deliberate play activities during early steps. On the contrary, unsuccessful athletes specialized early and in some cases the sport they were involved was not a personal choice. Findings showed that a combination of individual and environmental characteristics is necessary in order to cope successfully with within-career transitions. Physical abilities, commitment, motivation, aspirations, mental skills and the ability to respond to challenges were acknowledged as facilitators of a successful trajectory towards elite level. As environmental features also play a significant role in the outcome of the within career transitions an environment focused on long-term development, with clear and coherent communication and goals promoting the athlete wellbeing while in the same time utilizing intentional challenge can facilitate the pathway to elite level. The integration of the selection process as part of the talent development and the use of role models within the team to enable individuals continuously learn from each other were additional features identified. On the other hand, social pressure, balancing a dual career, a winning focused environment and poor communication were the main barriers that may lead to dropout.Practical implications are that increasing the quality of athletesâ preparation and equipping them with the skills and attributes required in order to cope with the challenges of the within career transitions during their trajectory to elite level competition would facilitate progression. As such, not only developing individual characteristics but also creating an environment that aids to this end would increase the chances of athletes reach at elite level. Research implications of this thesis are that key individual and environmental features that facilitate progression to elite level were identified. Future research is required regarding the potential connection of early experiences and long-term achievements in sport, differences between team and individual sports while also further examination of successful environments and longitudinal examination of within career transitions
Unsuccessful Transitions: Understanding Dropout from the Athlete's Perspective
Get PDFLimited studies have investigated the experiences of athletes who did not "make it" to elite level. To target this research gap, this study accessed and investigated this hard to reach population in order to understand the development and transition experiences of athletes who did not manage to negotiate successfully the junior to senior elite transition. A qualitative methodology was utilised and six athletes were interviewed. Inductive analysis showed that an unsuccessful transition from junior to senior level is highly individual and is attributed to a combination, rather than a single factor. The factors emerging from the work, which can increase the risk of athletes dropping out included: poor communication; inappropriate support; balancing a dual career without support or with excessive pressure; and a win focus environment during the development stage. Implications for coaches and policy makers with regards to impacting positively on both the transition experience itself and earlier foundation experiences are discussed further
Relationship between the talent development environment and motivation, commitment, and confidence
Get PDFIntroduction: Examining the influence of the talent development environment on athletes is crucial for understanding sport participation and the identifying the characteristics of effective talent development.Purpose:The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between the talent development environment and youth athletes' goals, life aspirations, commitment, and confidence. Methods: One hundred and twenty-six development Greek athletes aged 12-17 completed a combination of five questionnaires (Talent Development Environment Questionnaire, Basic Psychological Needs Scale, Achievement Goal in Sport Questionnaire, Life Aspiration Inventory, and Mental Toughness Questionnaire) that measured the key environmental and personal characteristics in question. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation, internal consistency, and hierarchical regressions. Results: Long-term development focus was a positive predictor of intrinsic goals (p = .04) and was associated, positively and negatively respectively, with relatedness and mastery-avoidance goals (p < 0.01) but was negatively related with mastery-approach goals (p < .05). Long-term fundamentals predicted commitment (p < .05) and communication was positively associated with relatedness, but negatively related to extrinsic goals (p = .02) and mastery avoidance goals (p < .05). A masteryâapproach promoted intrinsic goals (p < .04) and performance-avoidance orientation predicted extrinsic goals (p < .01). However, interestingly the environment did not predict confidence. Conclusions: Implications regarding the types of environments to facilitate successful development of young athletes were presented to provide coaches, teachers, and parents with the knowledge for effective talent development
The effect of proprioceptive training on technical soccer skills in female soccer
Get PDFDevelopment of perceptual-cognitive motor skills is a crucial factor influencing soccer training and competition. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of neuromuscular coordination, proprioceptive and balance exercises on physiological attributes and technical skills in female soccer. Female soccer players competing in Greek A Division (N = 48) were assigned to intervention (N 1 = 24) and control groups (N 2 = 24). The Proprioceptive Training Intervention Program (PTIP) lasted approximately 20 min and was implemented five times per week for 16 weeks. It was hypothesized that the PTIP in addition to a regular training programme would significantly affect female soccer player perceptual-cogni-tive-motor capability as it was estimated with physiological attributes (Ë VO 2 max and agility) and motor performance soccer technical skills (juggling, heading, shooting, passing, and dribbling). All performance variables were measured prior and after the 16-weeks PTIP. Groups by Measures (2 Ă 2) ANOVAs with repeated measures on the second factor revealed that the intervention group decreased percent body fat and improved Ë VO 2 max and all technical skills in comparison to the control group after the PTIP (p < 0.05). The findings demonstrate the beneficial role of a proprioceptive training programme on both physiological attributes and technical skills in female soccer. Practical implications include the application of the intervention programme for monitoring and developing soccer players while also the use of the assessment tests to evaluate players
Relative age effects in international age group championships: A study of Spanish track and field athletes
Get PDFThe relative age effect is a well-researched phenomenon, however there is still a dearth of understanding in track and field and female sport. This study investigated the role of relative age on selection for international competition of Spanish age group athletes between 2006â 2014. Six hundred and forty two athletes competed for Spain at U20 or U18 age group international competition (n = 359 males; 283 females) across 9 years. The birthdates of these athletes were compared against the population of registered athletes at that time (14,502 males; 10,096 females). The results highlighted the influential role of relative age on selection to these opportunities. In line with previous research, this effect was mediated by age and gender, with stronger effects for both males and younger athletes (U18). The data best supported the 'maturation-selection' hypothesis as a mechanism for RAEs. These results highlight the need to carefully consider the role and need for international competitive opportunities at different age groups. A number of possible context relevant solutions are discussed , including correction adjustments techniques and competition structure within track and field
The Associations between Talent Development Environments and Psychological Skills in Iranian Youth Athletes: A Variable and Person-centred Approach
Get PDFThe environment plays a significant role in the development of talent athletes. A big part of this is preparing athletes with the psychological skills to cope and thrive through the challenges of their sporting journey. Understanding which features of the Talent Development Environment (TDE) best facilitate psychological skill use would be extremely useful for coaches to understand. As such, the main aim of this research was to investigate the relationships between TDE factors and psychological skills through a variable and person-centred approach (i.e., use both regression and cluster analyses). A second aim was to examine the psychometric properties of the Persian TDEQ-5 providing an initial validation for its use in Persian speaking cultures. To this end, the TDEQ-5 and Psychological Skills Inventory for SportsâYouth versionâShort Form were administered to 371 Iranian athletes. The results showed that higher quality TDEs predicted higher psychological skill use. Specifically, Holistic Quality Preparation predicted all five psychological skills, while Long Term Development predicted anxiety control and Alignment of Expectations predicted self-confidence. The Persian TDEQ-5 was found to be a valid and reliable tool. Implications for coaches and those in charge of TDEs are discussed
Relative age effect: implications for effective practice
Get PDFPhysical and psychological differences related to birthdate amongst athletes of the same selection year have been characterised as the ârelative age effectsâ (RAEs). RAEs have been identified in a variety of sports, both at youth and adult level, and are linked with dropout of athletes and a reduction of the talent pool. This study examined the existence, mechanisms and possible solutions to RAEs using qualitative methodology. Seven experts in the field of talent identification and development were interviewed. Inductive analysis of the data showed that, while there was mixed evidence for the existence of RAEs across sports, the eradication of RAEs was attributed to controllable features of the development environment. The factors reported included the structure of âcategoriesâ used to group athletes within the sport (e.g. age, weight, size, skills), recognition and prioritisation of long-term development over âshort term win focus.â Education of relevant parties (e.g. coaches, scouts, clubs) about RAEs and the nature of âtalentâ within a long-term context was suggested, along with careful consideration of the structure of the development environment (e.g. delayed selection, provision for late developers, focus on skills not results, use of challenge). Implications for research and practice are discussed
A rare convergence: adult-onset Langerhans cell histiocytosis and HIV infection
Get PDFWhile primarily described in children, adult-onset Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has been reported, albeit infrequently. In the present scenario, we unveil a unique case of adult-onset LCH in an HIV-infected individual. After the diagnosis was made, the patient was successfully treated and demonstrated total disease remission. This case illustrates the diagnostic challenge that rare clinical entities such as LCH pose, especially in the context of an untreated HIV infection. Furthermore, the complexity of treating adult-onset Langerhans cell histiocytosis in an HIV-positive patient is highlighted, with emphasis given on a multidisciplinary approach
