Motivation

• Motivation:

  • external influences/internal mechanisms that direct our behaviour
  • affects the amount of effort that a player puts into a game + players with strong will to win are usually more successful
  • teams will benefit from players that fight hard + are well-motivated even when losing
  • affects performance relative to ability -> coach might motivate novice performers by offering rewards + incentives, e.g. 'player of the week' award
• Intrinsic Motivation: comes from within performer + is characterised by feeling of pride + satisfaction from completing or succeeding in a task -> includes thrill of scoring a goal or the satisfaction of winning a major comp
• Extrinsic Motivation: more temporary -> includes both tangible + intangible rewards from an outside source -> non-physical, e.g. praise
• Tangible Rewards: medals + trophies that are awarded to players at the end of the season
• To improve motivation coaches may:

  • make training sessions fun + varied
  • coach could also adjust the training environment to suit the players, e.g. small groups of similar ability players to allow for appropriate competition
  • coaches could inspire players by pointing out role models
  • as players gain experience, more demanding goals can be set
• To improve motivation coaches should:

  • consider the personality of the performer before deciding on the best way to offer motivation

  Extrovert: enjoy limelight, can be praised openly

  Introvert: prefer to be praised quietly, away from others

  • ensure that external rewards do not undermine intrinsic motivation