Prioritizing Anthropometric, Physiological, and Psychological Components in Athlete Talent Identification: A Multidimensional and Sport-Specific Approach

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Department of science sport science and physical education university of Kurdistan Iran

Abstract
The study's primary aim was cross-sport comparison rather than broad population generalization. The sample comprised athletes from volleyball (n = 40), basketball (n = 38), wrestling (n = 35), boxing (n = 30), swimming (n = 28), and athletics (n = 29). The unequal sample distribution across disciplines reflected differences in the number of registered athletes and response rates at participating clubs. Participants' mean age was 21.4 ± 2.1 years, with a mean training experience of 4.8 years. The study employed a descriptive-analytical, applied, cross-sectional design. Data were collected using a battery of anthropometric and physiological field tests conducted in accordance with ISAK guidelines and standardized performance protocols, together with three validated psychological questionnaires (sport motivation, sport resilience, and attentional control). Instrument validity was confirmed by experts and relevant statistical tests, while reliability was established at a satisfactory level, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.83 to 0.89 and test-retest reliability yielding an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.91. Based on these findings, coaches and talent-identification centers are advised to: (a) begin initial screening in team and combat sports (volleyball, basketball, wrestling, boxing) using anthropometric indicators; (b) prioritize physiological testing (VO₂max, speed, anaerobic power) in athletics; (c) mandatorily incorporate psychological assessment (anxiety management, concentration) from the earliest stages of talent identification in swimming; and (d) replace uniform assessment models with a multi-stage, sport-specific test battery across all disciplines.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 October 2026

  • Receive Date 01 February 2026
  • Revise Date 15 September 2026
  • Accept Date 27 September 2026