Talent Development

Dave Collins is a Professorial Fellow in Human Performance Science at University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, and Director of Grey Matters Performance Ltd. He is a qualified PE teacher, coach and psychologist and has worked with over 80 World or Olympic medallists plus professional sports teams, dancers, musicians and executives in business and public service.Áine MacNamara is an Associate Professor in Elite Performance at the Dublin City University, Ireland. Her background is in physical education, coaching and talent development and she has worked with young people in a range of sporting environments as an educator, coach and consultant.

• Part I: Underpinning Talent Development Principles1. Myths and Truths in Talent DevelopmentPart II: Developing the Base: Pre-school and Early PreparationIntroduction to Part II2. The Essentials of Movement, Confidence and Attitude3. The Child’s Ideal Approach to Sport 4. Deliberate Play, Deliberate Practice and Deliberate PreparationPart III: Pre-Academy: What to Do Till You Select Your Chosen SportIntroduction to Part III 5. Next Steps in Development – Below the Neck6. Next Steps in Development – Above the Neck7. Concerns and Considerations for Parents and Coaches Part IV: Entering the PathwayIntroduction to Part IV8. The Recruitment Process; Making Pragmatic Decisions 9. Academy Preparation – What Works Well (and Doesn’t) Part V: Making the Most of your Academy ApprenticeshipIntroduction to Part V 10. How the Coach/Athlete Relationship Can Fly or Founder 11. What Parents and Performers Can Do to Support/Supplement or Replace the AcademyPart VI: Transitions, Roadblocks and Other ChallengesIntroduction to Part VI 12. Preparing for Transitions13. The Talent Transfer Process – How It Works, How It Could Work Better and How to Make It Work for You 14. The Rocky Road to SuccessPart VII: Management Considerations15. Designing and Operating a Pathway Part VIII: Conclusion16. What to Do to Stay Ahead