GCSE PE Revision (6)

Motivation

• Motivation means the need or drive to do something with determination.
• It is important for players in sports, for those who want to follow a healthy lifestyle and for sports performers to be well motivated, but some seem to be better motivated than others.
• Some decide to be physically active for only a short period of time, whereas some seem addicted to exercise.
• When 2 athletes of very similar ability race against each other the winner is invariably the one who is better motivated.
• There are some people who do not seem at all interested in playing sports or following a healthy lifestyle.
• It is important to find out what motivates people to participate, follow a healthy lifestyle and do well in sport because we can then encourage more people to be fit and healthy and also to be involved in sport and performing at a high level.
• Intrinsic or internal motivation
• Intrinsic motivation is the internal drive or willpower that people have to participate in physical activities or to do well in sport.
• Intrinsic motives include fun, enjoyment and satisfaction that is experienced b achieving something or simply in doing it for its own sake.
• Some athletes describe the intrinsic 'flow' experienced during competition.
• They speak of high levels of concentration and a feeling that they are in total control.
• External or extrinsic motivation
• Extrinsic motivation involves influences external to the performer; for instance, the drive to do well in physical activity or sport could come from the need to please others or to gain rewards like medals or badges - or in some cases large amounts of money.
• Rewards that include badges or prize money are referred to as tangible rewards.
• Rewards that involve getting the first place in the league or getting praise…