Article: Managing high performance systems in tennis: examining meso and macro factors underpinning player development structures in tennis Journal: International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing (IJSMM) 2024 Vol.24 No.3/4 pp.313 - 338 Abstract: Tennis is a global sport; 87 million people play tennis worldwide. Despite these participation numbers, professional rankings continue to be dominated by a small core group of nations. Research in talent development has grown considerably over the past 20 years, but there remains a dearth of context-specific research. The aim of this study was to consider macro and meso talent development (TD) factors from the perspective of key stakeholders involved in the design and delivery of the TD system in two emerging tennis nations (Malaysia and Ireland). Thematic analysis was employed to examine the perspectives of senior leaders, national coaches, and board members (<i>n</i> = 11). The findings emphasise that TD is a strategic decision; national governing bodies in sports must consider the impact of meso and macro factors on the development of TD policies. Less developed tennis nations are faced with challenges such as a lack of financial resources, inadequate competition structures, and limited stakeholder support (coaches, parents). Every nation possesses its distinctiveness, and the findings of this study reveal that numerous macro elements stem from cultural or socio-cultural sources. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Managing high performance systems in tennis: examining meso and macro factors underpinning player development structures in tennis

Authors: Garry Cahill; Áine MacNamara

Addresses: Faculty of Science and Health, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland ' Faculty of Science and Health, School of Health and Human Performance, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland

Abstract: Tennis is a global sport; 87 million people play tennis worldwide. Despite these participation numbers, professional rankings continue to be dominated by a small core group of nations. Research in talent development has grown considerably over the past 20 years, but there remains a dearth of context-specific research. The aim of this study was to consider macro and meso talent development (TD) factors from the perspective of key stakeholders involved in the design and delivery of the TD system in two emerging tennis nations (Malaysia and Ireland). Thematic analysis was employed to examine the perspectives of senior leaders, national coaches, and board members (n = 11). The findings emphasise that TD is a strategic decision; national governing bodies in sports must consider the impact of meso and macro factors on the development of TD policies. Less developed tennis nations are faced with challenges such as a lack of financial resources, inadequate competition structures, and limited stakeholder support (coaches, parents). Every nation possesses its distinctiveness, and the findings of this study reveal that numerous macro elements stem from cultural or socio-cultural sources.

Keywords: talent development; management sport; tennis management; high-performance strategy; talent development context; macro meso talent development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMM.2024.138983

International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 2024 Vol.24 No.3/4, pp.313 - 338

Received: 25 Mar 2023
Accepted: 18 Oct 2023
Published online: 06 Jun 2024 *

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Title: Managing high performance systems in tennis: examining meso and macro factors underpinning player development structures in tennis

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