The role of motivation in amateur basketball

Aim. Motivation plays an important role in achieving success in sports, regardless of whether it is performed professionally or amateurly. Based on the level of external and intrinsic motivation, the effectiveness or quality of sports can be determined. Research indicates that there are differences in the type and level of motivation among persons who practice sport recreationally and professionally. For example, professional athletes have a higher level of identification and amotivation than people practicing sports recreationally. The aim of the study was to determine whether amateur league basketball players on teams occupying the top and lowest places on the league table differ in motivation level. In addition, efforts were made to identify other factors that may be related to the type and level of motivation in amateur basketball. Basic procedures. The study consisted 48 players of the Krakow basketball league called the Krakowski Nurt Basketu Amatorskiego (KNBA) [Eng. Krakow Amateur Basket Trend - transl. M.T.]. The players were men representing five teams participating in the 2015 competition (Mage = 28.40). In the study, we used the Polish version of the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-6) measuring the level of intrinsic motivation, externally regulated motivation, identification, introjection and amotivation. We also used our own specially designed questionnaire, containing 15 additional questions related to previous experience with competitive sports, basketball experience and a description of current practice and the emotions associated with basketball. The questionnaire was anonymous. Results. The conducted research showed that people playing on leading teams in the amateur basketball league had higher levels of introjection as well as all of the more autonomous types of motivation, especially integration and intrinsic motivation, than the players of the teams occupying the last places in the table. On the other hand, they did not differ significantly in the level of extrinsic motivation. It was also found that the players who had higher levels of intrinsic motivation, devoted more time to practicing basketball. Conclusions. The games won, and hence the place occupied by the team in the table is connected with the self-motivation of a player. Participation in practice with team members has significant impact on the intrinsic motivation of an athlete and his/her level of integration with other team members. It can be stated that participation in practice not only improves physical fitness and technical abilities of a player, but has significant influence on his/her contact with the team