Theories and applications of motivation in sport, exercise and performance

The sustained engagement of young people in sport, exercise and performance disciplines has long been recognized as a key challenge facing professionals invested in their healthy development (Duda et al., 2014). Whilst the number of hours of engagement needed to reach elite status is highly debated, there is little uncertainty regarding the role of extended engagement in training and practice for optimal development (Ericsson & Charness, 1994). In reality, many young athletes and performers fail to optimize and maintain engagement in their respective activities at this critical stage in their development. Furthermore, factors which enable all young people to prosper and achieve their potential rather than experience compromised well-being and drop out is of importance regardless of whether the individuals are participating at an elite or recreational standard (Duda et al., 2014).