What is intrinsic motivation in relation to autonomy, mastery, and purpose?

• A. Intrinsic motivation arises from autonomy, mastery, and purpose; it enhances persistence and enjoyment and should be fostered by the coach through supportive environments
• B. Motivation is unrelated to autonomy
• C. Extrinsic motivation is more important
• D. Purpose undermines motivation

Answer: (A)

Intrinsic motivation means doing an activity for its own sake because it’s enjoyable or meaningful. When a player feels autonomy, they act with a sense of choice and ownership over their training. When they experience mastery, they sense progress and competence, which strengthens belief in their ability to improve. When they sense purpose, they see how the effort connects to something bigger than the task itself, giving meaning to the work.

With all three together, the drive to participate comes from inside, leading to greater persistence and enjoyment rather than simply chasing external rewards. In coaching, this is fostered by creating an autonomy-supportive environment (offer choices in practice, invite input), promoting mastery through clear, attainable challenges and feedback focused on improvement, and helping players connect activities to meaningful team goals or personal values.

Extrinsic motivation, by contrast, relies on outside rewards and pressure, which can undermine this internal drive if overemphasized. And purpose generally strengthens motivation rather than undermines it, so focusing on meaningful goals complements autonomy and mastery rather than weakening them.