Evaluation and further development of talent identification within the German Athletics Federation (DLV) squad system
Project description
The doctoral research project investigates how talent identification in youth elite track and field can be further developed. The project focuses on the analysis of motor performance, anthropometric, and maturity-related characteristics of young athletes. The aim is to examine the extent to which these characteristics can provide information about subsequent squad selection and to determine the role of biological maturation in the interpretation of sport motor test results.
The project is conducted in collaboration with the German Athletics Association (DLV). The analyses are based on data collected during field-based testing as part of routine talent diagnostics and performance assessments in youth track and field. Retrospectively analyzed variables include anthropometric characteristics such as body height, body mass, and sitting height, as well as performance outcomes from sprints, jumps, throwing, and endurance tests.
A particular focus is placed on biological maturation, as young athletes of the same chronological age can differ considerably in their physical development. These differences can influence motor performance and may therefore lead to advantages or disadvantages in talent identification. The project consequently investigates how performance can be interpreted in the context of biological maturation and whether considering maturity-related differences allows for a more meaningful assessment of athletes’ developmental potential.
The findings are intended to contribute to the further development of talent diagnostics in youth track and field. They may support coaches, talent scouts, sports organizations, and sport scientists in interpreting young athletes’ test results in a more differentiated manner, accounting more systematically for maturity-related influences, and improving the assessment of long-term developmental prospects.
