ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines some of the main psychological influences on developing athletes and the research of effective and ineffective environments for training and growth. It deliberates choice to use ‘athletic development’ as opposed to talent development. The book explores athletes developing in sport at all levels and environments, not just the performance context that ‘talent’ implies. It argues that the journey metaphor is often used in everyday career-related narratives in terms of progression and destinations. The book examines the influence of this social setting that surrounds the athlete as they move along their athletic development journey. It discusses the potential impact of the socially created environment and the key individuals who accompany or guide the athlete. The book focuses on the theme of mental health during the athletic development journey.
