The Importance of Motivation vs. Ability in a Competitive Performance

The Importance of Motivation vs. Ability in a Competitive Performance

In order to be able to learn and perform any skill, especially in

sport, we must have the abilities required. Knapp (1963) defined

ability as "our innate physical attributes that determine our

potential for a given sport".

"Motivation. If we are not in a positive psychological state, we will

make mistakes in performance and will not learn to perform at our

best". (Advanced PE for Edexcel. Heinemann Educational Publishers,

2000)

The sport itself can affect the type of motivation required and the

effect this has on the performance. Individual sports such as

swimming, require a lot of intrinsic motivation due to the fact they

are competing alone. Intrinsic motivation comes from within the player

and can involve different things depending on the player for example

using imagery or self talk (1). In this kind of situation an athlete

is forced to be responsible for their own actions and decisions,

something a highly motivated player with confidence will recognise and

appreciate. They will use this responsibility to their advantage, as

they feel in control. This combined with their ability to compete and

perform will enhance the success of their overall performance.

Team sport players use a lot of extrinsic motivation (1) from their

other team members, as well as intrinsic motivation. Most racket

sports can either be played in pairs or alone, and so this will affect

the amounts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation required.

Biddel (1984) suggested "extrinsic motivation is of benefit at first

and can drive individuals to participate and work hard initially, but

in long term extrinsic motivation is not enough on its own.

Ability is essential in making a performance successful, regardless of

what type of activity it is, but motivation levels varies for type of

activities. As well as motivation enhancing performance, it can also

work the other way round, and the ability to perform well can improve

motivation. Abilities are needed to perform skills in sport

Arousal can also help or hinder players of sport (3).