Joe Baker makes a welcome return to the podcast to talk about his latest book 'The Tyranny of Talent'. We had a great conversation and covered a LOT of ground including...

1. Talent in sports is a far more complex concept than most people assume, and the traditional understanding of talent as a fixed, simple, and unidimensional capacity is flawed.

2. Coaches often lack training in talent evaluation and prediction, making it difficult for them to accurately identify and develop potential in young athletes.

3. Long-term athlete development (LTAD) models can be useful but have limitations, and should be considered as a starting point rather than an end goal.

4. A more nuanced approach to athlete development is needed, taking into account various domains such as child development, behavioral, neurological, and physical needs.

5. Predicting talent in professional sports drafts is challenging, and early selections can have a significant impact on an athlete's long-term development.

6. Survivorship bias can lead to an overemphasis on the success stories of athletes who made it through a particular development system, while neglecting the many others who did not.

7. Diversity and variability in youth sports are crucial for creating inclusive, accessible opportunities for all young people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.

8. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child can provide a framework for ethical decision-making in sports coaching, policy-making, and athlete development, ensuring that children's needs and interests are prioritised.

9. Addressing athlete maltreatment and promoting transparency and accountability in sports environments can help create a safer, more empowering space for young athletes.

10. Challenging traditional ideas and approaches in coaching and athlete development can lead to more effective, inclusive systems that better support the long-term success and well-being of all young athletes.

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