Lifelong Sport

As a thought leader and author focused on youth sports, I have observed a variety of approaches to coaching and motivating young athletes. One of the most intriguing aspects is the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and how these motivational strategies can shape a child’s long-term relationship with sports. This article delves into when it is appropriate to use rewards for motivation in kids’ sports, drawing insights from my book on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

Understanding Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

The American Psychological Association defines intrinsic motivation as “an incentive to engage in a specific activity that derives from pleasure in the activity itself (e.g., a genuine interest in a subject studied) rather than because of any external benefits that might be obtained (e.g., money, course credits).” Intrinsically motivated individuals engage in activities they find inherently satisfying and interesting, driven by a desire to explore, develop their capabilities, and experience the joy of the activity.

Intrinsic motivation is closely tied to the psychological need for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. It differs from extrinsic motivation, which is driven by external rewards such as financial incentives, trophies, or social recognition. While extrinsic motivators can sometimes initiate engagement in an activity, intrinsic motivation is often the key to sustained participation and deeper fulfilment.

The Benefits of Intrinsic Motivation

Creating environments where intrinsic motivation thrives offers several significant advantages over relying solely on extrinsic motivators:

1. Enhanced Learning: Intrinsic motivation leads to deeper conceptual understanding and more effective learning. When children are genuinely interested in a subject, they are more likely to engage with the material, think critically, and retain information.

2. Greater Performance and Creativity: Intrinsically motivated individuals tend to perform better and exhibit higher levels of creativity. Their engagement is fuelled by curiosity and a desire to master new challenges, leading to innovative thinking and problem-solving.

3. Persistence and Resilience: Intrinsic motivation fosters long-term commitment and perseverance. Children who enjoy an activity for its own sake are more likely to stick with it through difficulties and setbacks, developing resilience along the way.

4. Cognitive Flexibility: Intrinsically motivated individuals exhibit greater cognitive flexibility, allowing them to adapt and respond to new situations more effectively.

The Role of Extrinsic Motivation in Youth Sports

While intrinsic motivation is ideal, there are scenarios where extrinsic motivation can play a useful role, especially in the early stages of engagement with a new activity. Extrinsic rewards can provide initial encouragement and help children overcome initial reluctance or fear. For example, a small reward for attending practice or completing a challenging drill can boost a child’s confidence and willingness to participate.

However, the key is to use extrinsic motivation judiciously and transition towards intrinsic motivation as the child becomes more comfortable and interested in the activity. Over-reliance on extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation, a phenomenon known as the Over-justification Effect. When children are rewarded for activities they already enjoy, the external rewards can make the activities seem less enjoyable and reduce the likelihood of participation without rewards.

Striking the Balance: When to Use Rewards

To foster a lifelong love of sport, coaches and parents need to strike a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Here are some guidelines on when and how to use rewards effectively:

1. Initial Engagement: Use extrinsic rewards to help children overcome initial hesitations and engage with a new sport. Rewards can provide positive reinforcement and make the activity seem more approachable.

2. Skill Development: In the early stages of learning a new skill, extrinsic rewards can motivate children to practice and improve. As they develop competence and start to enjoy the activity more, gradually phase out the rewards.

3. Celebrating Milestones: Use rewards to celebrate significant achievements and milestones. This can include mastering a difficult skill, showing exceptional effort, or demonstrating good sportsmanship. Ensure that the focus remains on personal growth and effort rather than just outcomes.

4. Intrinsic Goal Setting: Encourage children to set intrinsic goals that focus on personal improvement, enjoyment, and learning. Use extrinsic rewards sparingly and in a way that supports these intrinsic goals.

5. Positive Feedback: Provide positive feedback and reinforcement to boost intrinsic motivation. Recognise and celebrate the child’s progress, effort, and enjoyment of the activity.

Creating an Intrinsically Motivating Environment

Creating an environment that nurtures intrinsic motivation involves several key strategies:

1. Emphasise Autonomy: Give children a sense of control over their participation. Allow them to choose the activities they enjoy, set their own goals, and make decisions about their training.

2. Foster Competence: Create opportunities for children to develop and demonstrate their skills. Provide constructive feedback and celebrate improvements, no matter how small.

3. Build Relatedness: Cultivate a supportive and inclusive team environment where children feel connected to their peers and coaches. Encourage teamwork, camaraderie, and mutual respect.

4. Focus on Fun: Ensure that practices and games are enjoyable. Incorporate a variety of activities and challenges to keep children engaged and excited about participating.

The Long-Term Impact of Motivation Strategies

The way we motivate children in sports has a profound impact on their long-term relationship with physical activity. When children develop a love for sport based on intrinsic motivation, they are more likely to remain active and engaged throughout their lives. This intrinsic drive fosters a healthier lifestyle, resilience, and a positive self-image.

Consider the example of Michael Jordan, who famously had a “Love of the Game” clause in his contracts with the Chicago Bulls. This clause allowed him to play basketball anytime, anywhere, demonstrating his intrinsic love for the sport. Despite his competitive drive and numerous accolades, Jordan’s deep enjoyment of basketball kept him engaged and motivated beyond external rewards.

A Balanced Approach to Motivation

Creating coaching and sport environments that help kids love sport for life requires a nuanced understanding of motivation. While extrinsic rewards can be useful tools, especially in the early stages of engagement, intrinsic motivation should be the ultimate goal. By emphasising personal growth, enjoyment, and the inherent satisfaction of the activity, coaches and parents can cultivate a lifelong love of sport in children.

Reflect on how you structure the environment at your club. Evaluate what your athletes find intrinsically or extrinsically motivating. Are you giving them the freedom to be creative within their sport? How much emphasis are you placing on external rewards?

By fostering intrinsic motivation, we can help young athletes enjoy the process, focus on personal improvement, and build a resilient, lifelong love for sport. Let’s commit to creating environments where every child feels valued, supported, and excited to play, ensuring that their love for sport remains strong throughout their lives.