MOTIVATION
The word motivation is derived from the Latin word ‘movere’, meaning ‘to change, ‘to more’ When we say that one is motivated, it means that he/she is driven or moved by an inner force to achieve the goal. We may refer to motivation as a process through which an individual is inspired, stimulated, goaded, or coaxed to act in a particular fashion or manner toward a particular direction.
Definitions:
According to Morgan and King, “Motivation refers to a state within a person or an animal that drives behavior towards some goal”.
According to Elizabeth Duffy, “Motivation is the direction and intensity of behavior”
Types of Motivation: Motivation is classified into two categories:
(i) Intrinsic Motivation (ii) Extrinsic Motivation
Intrinsic Motivation: This category of motivation is straightforwardly connected with the innate instincts, wages, and desires of the individual. The individual who is intrinsically motivated performs any work he finds concern in the activity. He is occupied in learning something as he drives gratification within the learning of that particular activity.
Extrinsic Motivation: In this kind of motivation, the basis of contentment does not stretch out within the assignment or task. The individual for obtaining desired goals or for receiving some external reward does or learns something and not for its own sake.
Techniques of Motivation:
(i) Teacher as a motivation: A highly skilled coach or teacher who has himself participated in the sports, is capable of demonstrating and explaining the skill more precisely, and who can plan the subsequent competition sensibly is a big plus point in motivating the athletes.
(ii) Length of Practice: The length of practice must be designed very cautiously to motivate young athletes to any activity. As the major reason for this phase is to persuade them to voluntary and informal practice to arouse their interest, formal practice should be comparatively short and led-up games at early stages should be involved.
(iii) Environmental Factors: The sport environment provided to the athletes, certainly has a very role in motivating them. A well-ventilated equipped and decorated gymnasium or swim- ming pool can draw even a reluctant individual. Likewise, well-maintained grounds and fields inspire an athlete to carry out his exercises.
(iv) Freedom to beginners: A greater level of freedom should be allowed to motivate beginners in the early attempts. They enjoy the experience more when given freedom on their own, they will knock upon minute adjustments which fit more to their physical personality.
(v) Social Pressure: It is currently a well-known reality that the presence of others influences performance and motivational levels. Planned sport and physical activity is carried out in the presence of others such as spectators, teammates, coaches, and officials. Through competitions in diverse social settings, social exposure to the athletes increases their level of motivation.
(vi) Goal setting: Achieving performance goals is a symbol of competency that affects motivation positively, hence it is essential to set realistic goals based on an individual’s ability. The level of motivation gets adversely affected when goals are set up too high or too low. Goal setting has been acknowledged as an influential motivational technique as it mobilizes an athlete’s hard work and extends his determination.
(vii) Reinforcement: Reinforcement is a vital motivational means, it refers to some kind of occurrence that increases or decreases the possibility of a similar reaction taking place in the future. Positive reinforcement enlightens the athlete at what time he is doing something accurately and supports the continuance of the activity in the precise direction. Negative reinforcement is in general of slight importance since it simply indicates that the actions are inaccurate devoid of providing information concerning the accurate reaction or behaviour.
(viii) Role of Media: Media also plays an important role in motivating athletes. News coverage of their performance and training sessions gives them the feeling of pride, prestige, and recognition. Such reporting heightens their self-confidence and competency and in addition, motivates other young athletes to follow their achievements.