The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the research and to broaden our understanding of dropout in the athlete development process. First, we provide a description of different terminologies related to dropout. Second, we describe dropout as a mismatch between resources and demands. Third, we look into personal, lifestyle and sporting reasons associated with dropout. Fourth, we outline athletes` characteristics associated with dropout. Fifth, we describe coaches` and parents` contributions to dropout and subsequently illustrate further environmental factors associated with dropout. Sixth, we provide a summary of factors that prevent dropout and promote continuation; and seventh and finally, we provide strategies, applied perspectives and recommendations for how to prevent dropout of athletes.
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