Motivation in Sport (AQA GCSE Physical Education (PE))

Motivation is an internal state of mind that causes us to act toward success or achievement

• In sports, this may be to break a personal best, to win a trophy, to be named 'player of the match'

There are two types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are usually used together: participants may have pride (intrinsic) in their achievement of winning a trophy (extrinsic) in their race

Intrinsic motivation is deemed more effective than extrinsic motivation

• It is more likely to lead to continued effort and participation in the sport

When extrinsic motivation is overused it can undermine the strength of the intrinsic motivation

• Participants may forget why they started playing the sport in the first place and they may become distracted by rewards such as prizes

Participants may become reliant on extrinsic motivators such as rewards and may only take part if they are paid or receive recognition