ISSP position stand: To test or not to test? The use of physical skill tests in talent detection and in early phases of sport development

Abstract

A Searching for talent and the assessing ability in young prospects from individual
\nand team sports often include measurement, analysis, and evaluation of physical
\nand motor skills. The use of these tests in early stages of talent development has
\nbeen widely observed in both female and male prospects. The purpose of this paper
\nis to review a series of studies conducted on talented and less-talented athletes/
\nplayers that were aimed at distinguishing between the two groups and at predicting
\nthe athletes’/players’ future achievements/success. Thirteen studies examining the
\nuse of physical and motor skill tests in young prospects are reviewed. Based on this
\nreview, four main observations are highlighted and a number of benefits and limitations
\nassociated with the use of such tests are discussed. It is recommended that
\n(1) coaches reduce the number of batteries of physical and motor skill tests used in
\nearly phases of talent development and (2) coaches and sport scientists specializing
\nin measurement and evaluation cooperate in order to improve the effectiveness
\nof the application and interpretation of physical skill tests given to prospects at
\nearly stages of talent development.