The Development of Sport Expertise: Mapping the Tactical Domain

Abstract

This article explores issues and research relevant to sport tactical knowledge development and expertise. A discussion of the controversies concerning methodological tools is accompanied by a presentation of the possible levels of analysis (continua) in sport research. Theories of knowledge development and a protocol structure model for sport tactical knowledge are included. Knowledge development trends based on expert-novice cross-sectional research are presented, followed by longitudinal research exploring issues of instruction and player development. A concluding discussion concerns the role of tactical knowledge in contemporary motor skill theory and limitations of learning and instruction theory.