What do you understand by motivation ? Which motivational techniques are used to improve the performance of th

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Q. What do you understand by motivation ? Which motivational techniques are used to improve the performance of the players ? Explain in detail. (1 + 4 = 5)

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2026Subjective· 5mImportance★★★★★

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Concept understanding — Motivation Types

Motivation Types: Why We Do What We Do

Think about the last time you studied for an exam. Maybe you were genuinely curious about the topic — you wanted to understand how markets work or why people behave the way they do. Or maybe you just wanted to avoid your parents' disappointment and get a decent grade. Both got you to open the book, but the reason you opened it was completely different.

That reason is what psychologists call motivation — the internal drive that pushes you to act. And the kind of reason you have determines everything: how long you stick with a task, how deeply you learn, and how you feel while doing it.

The Two Fundamental Types

Motivation is broadly divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic.

Intrinsic motivation comes from within. You do something because you find it genuinely interesting, enjoyable, or satisfying. A student who reads extra chapters on economics not because the exam asks for them, but because they find the subject fascinating, is intrinsically motivated. The reward is the activity itself — the feeling of understanding, the pleasure of discovery, the satisfaction of mastery.

Extrinsic motivation comes from outside. You do something because of an external reward or to avoid an external punishment. Studying for a prize, working for a salary, or completing a task to avoid criticism — all of these are extrinsic. The activity is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

Note

These two types are not opposites. They can coexist. A person might enjoy their job (intrinsic) and work hard for a promotion (extrinsic). The question is which force is dominant in a given situation.

Why the Distinction Matters

Intrinsic motivation is generally more powerful for long-term performance and well-being. When you are intrinsically motivated, you persist longer, learn more deeply, and feel less stressed. You do not burn out as easily because the activity itself replenishes you rather than draining you.

Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, can be very effective in the short term. A deadline, a bonus, or a fear of failure can get you moving when intrinsic interest is low. But it has a catch: if you rely too heavily on external rewards, you can actually undermine intrinsic motivation. This is called the overjustification effect. If a child who loves drawing starts getting paid for every picture, they may eventually stop drawing when the payment stops — because the activity has become associated with the reward, not with enjoyment.

A Closer Look at Extrinsic Motivation

Not all extrinsic motivation is the same. Psychologists distinguish several subtypes, ranging from completely controlled to relatively autonomous:

External regulation: You act only because of an external reward or punishment. "I study because my parents will ground me if I don't."
Introjected regulation: You act because of internal pressure — guilt, shame, or the need to prove something. "I study because I would feel like a failure if I didn't."
Identified regulation: You act because you personally value the outcome, even if the activity itself is not enjoyable. "I study because getting a good grade matters for my career, and I choose that goal." …

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Motivation is the internal and external drive that propels individuals towards achieving goals, and in sports, techniques like goal setting, positive reinforcement, and creating a supportive environment are crucial for enhancing player performance.

Motivation is the driving force behind all human actions, representing the internal and external factors that stimulate desire, energy, and commitment in an individual to achieve a specific goal. In the context of sports and physical activity, motivation is paramount; it is what makes a player train harder, persist through challenges, and strive for excellence. It answers the fundamental question of "why" a player engages in a particular activity and how much effort they are willing to invest. Without adequate motivation, even the most talented player may struggle to perform consistently or reach their full potential.

Motivation can broadly be understood in two forms: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation arises from within the individual; a player might be intrinsically motivated by the sheer enjoyment of the game, the satisfaction of mastering a skill, or the personal challenge of competition. Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, comes from external rewards or pressures, such as winning trophies, receiving praise, earning money, or avoiding punishment. Both types play a role in a player's journey, though fostering intrinsic motivation often leads to more sustained engagement and satisfaction.

To improve the performance of players, coaches and support staff employ various motivational techniques, aiming to harness both intrinsic and extrinsic drives. These techniques are designed to build confidence, enhance focus, manage stress, and foster a positive attitude towards training and competition.

Here are some key motivational techniques used to improve player performance:

Goal Setting: This is a fundamental technique where players are encouraged to set clear, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. These can be short-term goals, like improving a specific skill during a practice session, or long-term goals, such as winning a championship. Goals provide direction, a sense of purpose, and a benchmark against which progress can be measured, thereby boosting motivation as players work towards tangible objectives.
Positive Reinforcement and Feedback: Coaches use positive reinforcement by praising players for good performance, effort, and improvement. This could be verbal encouragement, a pat on the back, or acknowledging a player's contribution publicly. Constructive feedback, delivered in a supportive manner, helps players understand what they did well and what areas need improvement, fostering a growth mindset rather than focusing solely on mistakes. This builds confidence and encourages continued effort.
Rewards and Recognition: While intrinsic motivation is ideal, extrinsic rewards can also be powerful motivators. These include trophies, medals, certificates, public recognition, or even small incentives. Such rewards acknowledge a player's hard work and achievements, making them feel valued and encouraging them to maintain high levels of performance. However, it is important to balance extrinsic rewards with the development of intrinsic motivation to prevent over-reliance on external factors.
Creating a Positive and Supportive Environment: A safe, encouraging, and respectful atmosphere is crucial for player motivation. This involves fostering good relationships among teammates and between players and coaches. When players feel supported, understood, and free from excessive criticism or fear of failure, they are more likely to take risks, learn from mistakes, and perform to their best ability. Coaches who demonstrate empathy and fairness contribute significantly to such an environment. …

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Q.What do you understand by motivation ? Which motivational techniques are used to improve the performance of the players ? Explain in detail. (1 + 4 = 5)

Concept understanding — Motivation Types

Motivation Types: Why We Do What We Do

The Two Fundamental Types

Why the Distinction Matters

A Closer Look at Extrinsic Motivation

Concept understanding — why goal setting is cognitive

Checking each option

Q.What do you understand by motivation ? Which motivational techniques are used to improve the performance of the players ? Explain in detail. (1 + 4 = 5)

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