The Development of Talent in Sports: A Dynamic Network Approach

Figure 1

Fictive illustration of a talent network. In this case, the network includes an imaginary tennis player’s ability and other personal and environmental supporting and inhibiting factors that may differ across individuals. Green arrows represent positive influences, and red arrows represent negative influences. The sizes of the components reflect their level at a certain moment, and the thickness of an arrow is proportionate to the strength of influence. Note that the displayed network is a simple, speculative snapshot and that the network is dynamic and idiosyncratic in reality.