How To Build Intrinsic Motivation In Athletes

For many coaches of young athletes, the challenge isn’t teaching them the skills. It’s about teaching them to want to learn the skills. External rewards alone are not enough to keep athletes motivated in the long-term. They need intrinsic motivation, but what does this mean exactly?

In this blog post, you will learn how to build intrinsic motivation in athletes.

What is Intrinsic Motivation?

If you have intrinsic motivation, it means you do something just for the satisfaction and pure enjoyment of doing it. You aren’t doing it to gain a reward or avoid a punishment. This type of motivation comes from a desire to explore, learn, and challenge oneself.

According to Self Determination Theory, intrinsic motivation is critical for long-term success and well-being. This is because intrinsic motivation involves doing something that is deeply rewarding.

3 Tips to Build Intrinsic Motivation in Young Athletes

Set mastery goals rather than performance goals

To increase intrinsic motivation in sports, encourage athletes to focus on personal improvement. Their goal shouldn’t be to be better than others – it should be to be better than themselves. This shift helps athletes to enjoy learning and improving, which is more sustainable than motivation based on winning.

For example, don’t focus on the importance if winning a race. Focus on improving personal times or technique.

Foster a positive, autonomy-supportive environment

Allow athletes to have a say in their training. When athletes feel like they are in control, they are more likely to feel that inner motivation. This can include letting them choose some activities and encouraging decision-making. 

Emphasize the joy and fun of the sport

Remind athletes why they started playing in the first place. Encourage athletes to enjoy the moment instead of focusing on the final outcome. Celebrate the fun of challenge, teamwork, and the simple pleasure of physical activity. You want your athletes to associate the sport with fun, instead of another chore they have to do.