Research in sports psychology shows that intrinsic motivation is important for enjoying sports.

Intrinsic Motivation means playing simply for the fun of it. This type of motivation helps people enjoy their activity more and stay in sports longer. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation is about playing for outside rewards, like trophies or recognition.

Here are some benefits of intrinsic motivation:

1. Enjoyment:

   • Many people who play sports just for fun are happier.
   • One study found that 78% of athletes said they do better when they enjoy the sport itself. Meanwhile, only 45% of those motivated by outside rewards felt the same way.

2. Drawbacks of Extrinsic Motivation:

   • While wanting rewards can help people start playing, it can also lead to losing interest, known as burnout.
   • Studies show that athletes who mainly want external rewards are 60% more likely to quit their sport.

3. Important Statistics:

   • Research shows that those with intrinsic motivation are 65% more likely to keep playing sports.
   • In youth sports, enjoying the activity for itself is linked to a 30% higher chance of sticking with it over time.

In summary, encouraging intrinsic motivation is key for long-term enjoyment and staying active in sports.