Athletes’ Motivation to Compete in Beach Handball in the 33rd National Youth Sport Competition (AD 2017)

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate and compare the motivation of the beach handball athletes, including to obtain the differences of the athletes’ motivation classified by sex, education, region, and playing experience of this sport. Findings of this study can be used as guidelines for improving performance of athletes, coaches, PE instructors, as well as related figures; and for promoting this sport. Participants of this study were 240 players who participated the 33rd National Youth Games (B.E. 2560) during 16-25 March 2017; 120 boys and 120 girls. Results stowed that the athlete boys and girls were equal in number (50% to 50%). Most of the them are currently studying in MS6 (25.83%) and are from Region 1 and Region 3 (25% both); experiencing in playing this sport for over 2 years
(60.42%). The overall motivation in playing this sport was at high level (x = 4.10, SD = .480). The results of each domain were as follows;

1. Love, interest, and aptitude domain were at high level (x = 4.18, SD = .508), where the highest level was found on the aptitude side for doing better than other sports (x = 4.34, SD = .615).

2. Thinking of self and others domain was at high level (x = 4.17, SD = .547), where the highest level was found on the belief that the beach handball can build their strength and endurance (x = 4.37, SD =.702).

3. Health domain was at high level (x = 4.36, SD = .557), where the highest level was found on that beach handball can improve their physical fitness (x = 4.44, SD = .680).

4. Fame and prestige domain were at high level (x = 3.99, SD = .767), where the highest level was found on participating in the national event make them proud (x = 4.12, SD = .865).

5. Opportunity domain was at high level (x = 3.87, SD = .748), where the highest level was found on they can continue their further study as a quota student and have the chance to gain knowledge and experience in this sport (x = 4.20, SD = .852). Boys’ and girls’ motivation were different in two domains: love, interest, and aptitude domain; and thinking of self and others domain (p<.05); while years of experience in playing this sport was different in 3 domains: love, interest, and aptitude; thinking of self and others; and opportunity (p<.05).