Abstract
Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to characterize the developmental pathway undertaken by Portuguese expert track and field athletes considering the quantity and type of structured and unstructured activities. Methods: The sample was composed of 24 experts and 35 non-expert athletes who completed a questionnaire designed to gather information about their previous experiences in sports. Results: Results reveal key factors which distinguished expert from non-expert athletes’ developmental pathway were related to a greater commitment within track and field in relation to years (U = 251.000, p < 0.01) and hours (U = 212.500, p < .01), as well as with the number of years spent in unstructured activities (U = 284.500, p < .05). Furthermore, a significant association (χ2 = 27.131, p < 0.01) was found between the number of unstructured activities practiced and an expert performance attainment. Conclusions: These findings revealed that more successfully track and field athletes had an early diversified pathway with greater involvement in structured and unstructured activities. Overall, the study provides an insight into the developmental pathway of Portuguese track and field athletes.
Highlights
The analysis of long-term athletic development has provided interesting features to promote more sustainable environments that support the athletes’ expertise[1,2,3,4]
The DMSP explains athlete development underpinned in three sport trajectories: i) recreational participation through early diversification and deliberate play; ii) elite performance attainment through an early diversification and deliberate play, and iii) elite performance attainment through an early specialization and deliberate practice[11,12]
The previous trend was similar regarding the unstructured activities analysis, since the expert group spent more years in these type of activities (U = 284.500, p < 0.05). These results reveal that expert athletes invest more years and time in the track and field, as well as, spent more years involved in unstructured activities
Summary
The analysis of long-term athletic development has provided interesting features to promote more sustainable environments that support the athletes’ expertise[1,2,3,4]. Several theoretical models have been proposed, the Developmental Model of Sports Participation (DMSP) is considered more indicated since it provides clear assumptions and practical applications that are aligned with theories of youth development. Deliberate play promotes fun and enjoyment activities which are proposed to lead to higher intrinsic motivation and possibly prevent an early sport dropout[14,15]. This developmental sport pathway allows the experience of several environments that stimulate physical, cognitive, affective, and psychosocial aspects, as well as promotes a higher movement exploration, which is considered fertile ground to trigger creative behaviours[16,17,18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
