 |
Although relatively new, Sport Psychology (SP) has made it's presents and importance known throughout the world. This website is dedicated to informing athletes, coaches, and the general public about the importance of psychology in sport. Although sport psychology is reviewed as a whole, particular emphasis will be placed on running.
Through study in sport psychology it is now known that success in most sports require strength of the mind as well as physical fitness. An individual must be able to effectively integrate or disregard certain stimuli in certain situations in order to achieve optimum performance. An athlete must also have the proper confidence, arousal level, and knowledge to complete a task well. Sport psychology can help with each of these factors.
Although Psychology and Sport have both been around for centuries, the study of Sport Psychology is relatively new. Coleman Griffith, known as the grandfather of sport psychology in North America, was the first person to research sport psychology over an extended period of time. He opened the door to this new field of study during the 1920's when he taught at the University of Illinois and published two sport psychology books. Based on the information given by Mr. Griffith and through continued research over the past few decades, we now know that the human mind plays a vital role in physical activity.
| |
|
| What drives you? |
|
| |
Motivation: The driving force
One of the most important facets of sport psychology is Motivation. A simple way to define motivation is the reason for the action. In all that we do, there is a driving force. Whether its getting out of bed so that you won't be late, or putting on a hat so that you don't need to fix your hair, every action has a force behind it. This is particularly important in sports. Success of an athlete is directly correlated to many factors, including the source of motivation. A non-self-determined individual uses Amotivation, where the individual perceives no reason for participation. A person using Extrinsic motivation may find the activity rewarding but not fun. These individuals participate in order to recieve rewards or escape punishment. The person with Intrinsic motivation is driven by the force inside. Their participation is self-determined and is inspired by the pleasure of the activity. So..........What drives you?
|
|
|
| |
