TARGET: A MODEL FOR IMPROVING PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS, MOTIVATION AND FAIR-PLAY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to check whether the motivational climate and the work environment created by the teacher or trainer can improve fair-play behavior, autonomy when learning, the relationship with classmates, a better perception of the competition and greater fun in practice. The TARGET strategy has been applied in a group of soccer players of 9 and 10 years applying a questionnaire composed of the Fair-Play scales, the Basic Psychological Needs Questionnaire (NPB) and the Motivation in the Physical Education classes (MEF), before and after the implementation of the strategy. The results indicate that after the application of the program the values in fun factors with practice, intrinsic motivation, the sense of autonomy, perceived competence and interpersonal relationships have increased, while values related to extrinsic motivation, the demotivation, the valuation of the victory and the hard game have decreased.