ABSTRACT

Sport participation and sport expertise are highly valued in many societies. Given the considerable funds countries and sports devote to athlete development, improving our accuracy in identifying those athletes who have a greater potential to reach the highest levels of expertise has become increasingly important. There are several critical questions to consider. How do elite athletes learn to perform at this exceptional level? How can coaches and trainers facilitate athletes’ way to the top? Can our knowledge of the development of exceptional performers benefit less-gifted athletes?