Evolution of Young Female Athletes’ Reasons for Participating in Judo and Basketball

Abstract

Motivation is a key stone of sport success at all athletes’ skill levels. The change in direction and intensity of motivation in sport can lead to negative impact in athletic preparation, up to a point of dropping out from competitive sport, especially among young female athletes. Due to the different requirements and structure of individual vs team sport it may be a cause that influences the sport motivation of young athletes. Therefore, the major aim of this research is to investigate the differences in motivational dynamics among young female athletes participating in judo as a representative of individual sport and in basketball as a representative of team sport. This investigation has been conducted focusing on the motivational pattern involved in joining and continuing participation in the sport activity, as well as the obstacles athletes face during their athletic careers. Participants included 188 girls who practice regularly in a competitive setting as part of a national project for advancing women’s sport. They participated in basketball (n = 94) and judo (n = 91) and were divided into three age groups: 8–10 (young, n = 53): 11–13 (middle, n = 84) and 14–17 (adult, n = 48). Participants completed the modified Gould, Feltz, and Weiss (1985) questionnaire for examining young athletes’ reasons for participating in sports which was tailored to the research objectives. Factor analysis revealed different interpretable factors for each section of the questionnaire. A two-way ANOVA’s with repeated measures (2 b/j x 3 age groups) and post-hoc tests with Bonferroni adjustments were conducted to investigate differences between basketball and judo athletes across age groups in their motivation to start, to continue, and the obstacles they face. Results revealed that the motivation to start and continue sport participation was higher among basketball athletes compared with judo athletes. In addition, the judo athletes faced stronger obstacles compared to basketball athletes. Additional differences were revealed among the age groups in both sport disciplines. Results are discussed while considering the dynamic of motivational dispositions. Special attention is given to the importance of understanding what is the appropriate and specific psychological support based on variables such as sport discipline, motivational pattern, and age of young female athletes.