Motivation and incentives in 15–16-year-old female volleyball players under competitive stress

The purpose of the study is to assess the motivation of 15–16-year-old female volleyball players, taking into account the influence of external incentives, in order to identify psychological aspects of the dynamics of game activity in stressful situations of a competitive match. Research methods: analysis and generalization of scientific literature data, surveys, and pedagogical observation were used. Research results and conclusions. The authors compared and described changes in the numerical values of motivation to achieve success and motivation to avoid failure, and presented data from included observation of the performance of game functions by team leaders. In acute situations of competitive stress, "freezing" and "stupor" of players, their inadequate reactions to the ball, decreased effectiveness of blocking, and lack of mutual covering were identified, as well as the intensification of these negative psychological states mediated by players' reactions to expressive statements, claims, and instructions from the team coach. Features of players' motivation to take risks and take responsibility in finishing difficult game situations under conditions of losing points, or to avoid initiative in such situations and lose points, were identified. It was shown that the absence of a clear leader and the predominance of failure avoidance strategies among some athletes is a significant obstacle to psychological mobilization in stressful game episodes.