Concept of Motivational

training for athletes

Motivation

 Why does someone prefer rock-climbing to hockey?

 Are there different reasons for competing?

 Why do marathon runners continue despite pain?

 Why do people want to improve their skills?

 In other words, what motivates people?

Motivation
 The nature-nurture
controversy

 Drive theory (nature):

the search for traits

 Reinforcement theory
(nurture)
 Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
 Intrinsic motivation: Participation is inherently

pleasurable.

Make a list of the intrinsic factors that influence your choice of physical
activities.

(Pleasure, Enjoyment, Feelings of self-worth, Excitement, Self-

mastery.)
 Extrinsic motivation

Extrinsic motivation: Participation is rewarded.

Make a list of the extrinsic factors that influence your choice of physical
activities.

(Recognition, Praise from other people such as our coach, friends

or family. Crowd who supports us. Trophies Medals Prizes,
Records Money.)
 Discussion Question

 Can extrinsic rewards

decrease an athlete’s intrinsic
motivation?
 Motivation
 Motivation is an interesting factor in sports psychology because it is
one of the most controllable aspects.

 Alex Ferguson and Rafael Benitez's are two managers who are good
examples of motivators of people.

 Liverpool were losing 3-0 at half-time. However, the team come out
with significantly different performance that shown great deal of
motivation.
 Enhance Sports Performance

Question?
How do we get better at the sports we play?
 We all know that training helps our performance.

 However, often people train to improve their physical

skills and forget about improving their psychological
skills.
 Plan

Before deciding on what the athlete wants to achieve during their

training programme, they need to carry out an initial assessment.

 This can be achieved through:

 Interviews - semi-structured interviews are often best.

 Questionnaires – levels of different psychological factors. (ACSI

– Sheet)

 Performance profiling – (Practical team sports.)

Needs Analysis

 After the initial assessment has been completed, the needs

analysis should be completed.
 This is a written document that outlines what the athlete’s
main strengths and areas for improvement and some initial
suggestions of what they can improve.
 From this analysis, you can start to put together the aims
and objectives.
Task
Consider each of the following statements made by athletes as to why they are
motivated, and decide whether it is intrinsic or extrinsic motivation factor .
 I want to win medals,  I want to play in front of large crowds,

 I want to earn a position in  I want to give the public enjoyment,

Indian Team,  I want to feel good about my

 I want to reach my full performance,

potential,  I want to be recognised by the public

 I want to make money, for my ability.

 I want to feel mastery in my own

 I want to play in a good team,
Building Motivation
 The role of the leader

• Know an athlete’s sources of internal motivation.

• Provide feedback and cues congruent with motivational orientation.

• Motivational strategies should foster

– autonomy,

– competence, and

– connectedness.
Long-Term Motivational Strategies
 Push the edge.
 Experience success.
 Change your thinking.
 Get involved.
 Praise others.
 Vary training.
 Put yourself first.
 Find motivated peers.
 Think positively.
 Remember your dream.
Thank You