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"It's the people business stupid": GAIN 2013
17/06/2013 - 17:01
Coaches are in the people business I have just returned from another fantastic GAIN (Gambetta Athletic Improvement Network) in Houston, Texas. The 5 day event was full of ideas, tips and sharing of...

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talent id

"Talent" Books debunked: Nature and Nurture are both needed.

Posted On Monday, 05th September 2011 at 07:33

What happens when Journalists tackle science?

A number of books have appeared recently in the USA and the UK purporting to explain the development of talent and excellence in the sporting and business environments. A common feature of these books is that they are written by journalists,who attempt to deal with complex scientific concepts.

Talent Identification: a new perspective.

Posted On Friday, 02nd July 2010 at 08:43

I was part of an interesting discussion this week with a group of Coaches looking to identify young sports people at 12 years old. The main characteristics to be assessed are:

  • Potential\ Performance
  • Physical Attributes
  • Attitude
  • Socialisation\ community spirit.

Everyone thought these were important- finding a way to identify them is the hard part.

I'm rooting for the big guy- Kwaku Danso

Posted On Friday, 28th May 2010 at 04:29

Underdogs don't often come this big, but I am rooting for this guy to make it.

How many Coaches in the UK would see a physical specimen like this at 18 (let alone 28) and give him the chance to practice and develop. Well done to Coach Mangini for allowing one player on the squad to be a "project".

 

World Cup Preparations: The pitfalls

Posted On Friday, 21st May 2010 at 05:13

Two interesting, but ultimately sad stories:

The first on yet another young footballing prodigy who has failed to live up to the unrealistic expectations of the "Talent scouts"  Freddy Adu. Where will this young man be in 10 years time? Why does football insist on doing this?

 

NFL Draft and the combine

Posted On Thursday, 15th April 2010 at 01:58

The NFL draft happens later this month- for geeks like me it is quite exciting to see who the Green Bay Packers recruit.

Talent ID- The Australian Myth: Paula Jardine

Posted On Monday, 01st March 2010 at 12:10

young athlete

Physiology tests don't identify talent.

The idea that physical abilities tests can predict talent is now so pervasive that I’m beginning to lose track of the number of times I’m asked by athletes who’ve completed physiology tests what sports the tests suggest they’d be good at.

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