Why you play: enjoyment, motivation and a good practice group
The difference between playing for enjoyment and playing for rewards, and simple habits that make a practice group work well together.
Two sources of drive
- Outside drive (extrinsic): praise or approval from others, trophies, selection, publicity, money.
- Inside drive (intrinsic): enjoying training and matches, being with friends, getting better, getting fit.
Most players have a mixture of both. The problem starts when the balance tilts too far towards outside rewards. Those depend on other people and results, so you can play well and still lose, and that can make playing stressful. A player who plays mostly for inside reasons has much more control over what they are trying to do, and usually plays in a calmer state.
What you can do
- Name why you play. Write down two or three reasons. If most of them are about prizes or approval, add one about enjoyment or improvement.
- Choose goals about your own play. See process goals and outcome goals.
- Notice progress. After a session, say one thing you can do now that you could not do before.
- Keep friends in the picture. Being with others is itself a good reason to play.
A group that works
A group trains better when people feel they belong. Simple habits from the BWF manual:
- Agree a code of conduct together, so everyone knows how the group behaves. Examples used in the manual include respect for all, fair play and sporting behaviour, and giving 100% effort.
- Rotate practice partners regularly, so the group learns to help each other.
- Ask a player who does a skill well to show it. It gives them confidence and motivates the others.
- Include everyone, including players with a disability, and let people work at different levels in the same practice.
Common mistakes and fixes
- Comparing yourself with the best player in the group. Compare yourself with last month's you.
- Only playing with the same partner. Change partner after each drill or game.
- Playing only when you win. Enjoyment can come from a good rally, a new stroke or a good laugh.
Simple practice
- Write three reasons you play badminton and mark each "inside" or "outside".
- In your next session, change partner at least twice.
- At the end, tell the group one thing you enjoyed.
Limits
These are general habits, not psychological or medical advice. If low mood or worry about playing lasts, talk to a qualified person.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.