Is one goal enough? Male strikers’ views on their post-goal motivation level

2.1 Sample

Ten professional strikers playing in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Leagues of Professional Football in Turkey participated in the study. They were high school (n = 3) or university (n = 7) graduates, ages ranging from 21 to 31 years, and playing experience of 16–24 years. The study used convenience sampling, one of the purposive sampling approaches, to determine the participants. This sampling method typically involves the researcher reaching the participants comfortably regarding time and convenience [19]. The study participants were chosen based on the strikers’ active status in the Turkish Professional League and their sports playing experience. Official permission was obtained from the clubs where the players played, and the football players who met the specified criteria were contacted. Football players who were out of the city due to injury or other reasons were not included in the study. The study contents were shared through correspondence with the strikers who agreed to become study participants. They were coded as P1 to P10 to keep their identities confidential rather than using their real names.

2.2 Data collection

Two faculty members who were experts in the field assessed the semi-structured questionnaire, and subsequently, researchers conducted a preliminary application and finalized the question set. The initial section of the form was used to collect data about the strikers’ demographic features. The second part consisted of six queries allowing football players to convey their post-goal motivation. As a result, the current study strived to answer the following questions;

1. Do you set a target for yourself before the match?

2. How do you feel after scoring a goal in a game?

3. What are the elements influencing your request to go to your goal?

4. Do you make an in-seasonal target renewal for yourself after reaching a certain number of goal scores?

5. Do you feel motivated to goal-scoring when you take the field?

6. How do you mentally prepare yourself to improve your performance before and during the competition?

Interview is a data collection technique used in qualitative research [21]. The study utilized a semi-structured interview form as a data collection tool. Before the interview, researchers identified a suitable location and time for each participant, and after describing the research detail, they allowed the participants to sign a voluntary consent form. Each interview lasted 30–45 minutes. A voice recorder was used to document all the interviews, converted the gathered data into written form, and generated a database.

2.3 Analysis

The study employed the content analysis method to assess the research data. The researchers performed the relevant data analyses of being cognizant of its interpretive nature. They also performed a conversion process on interview data, translating it into a written format on the same day. To generate a database, the initial step of the analysis, was obtained by deciphering the data. After converting the data into Word format, it was made ready for detailed analysis by creating a digital copy. A study indicated that addressing all qualitative data analysis is primarily necessary from an inductive and comparative perspective [22]. Hence, researchers evaluated the database holistically. After a general conclusion, the significant points were labeled with the code tags. Four researchers identified similar and different aspects by this procedure. They also consulted the differences and met on common ground. Therefore, similar codes were pooled and grouped to form supporting data for broader information categories namely classes and themes. Finally, these assertions were interrelated and reported as research findings [23].

2.4 Rigor

The current study included direct quotations from the participants’ responses to strengthen the validity. It further exemplified data collection, analysis and interpretation sections consistently and precisely to ensure internal validity. Four researchers evaluated the questions and responses from semi-structured interviews. A striker who was not a member of the sample group but met the eligibility requirements for participation was employed in the pilot study to evaluate the validity of the questions. Researchers interviewed the participants at the already decided locations and time to make them feel comfortable and safe. Participants confirmation was ensured for collected data during the interviews for data accuracy procedure. Researcher notes and data obtained from the interview technique categories and themes should be augmented by literature support and presented with a general scheme [24]. Therefore, results are presented in six domains: Targeting, Motivation Sustainability, Elements Affecting the Request to Go Goal, Target Renewal, Goal-Scoring Motivation, and Performance Improvement. Codes were determined for each domain and presented in figures. The titles and codes were approached by the researchers holistically in the database and after formulating a general opinion, the important points that could have been coded were added with a code label. This process was applied by three researchers and similar and different aspects were identified. The differences were discussed by these researchers and a common point was reached. Similar codes were brought together and grouped to create supporting findings for broader categories of information, namely categories and themes. Finally, these statements were correlated with each other and reported as findings.

3.1 Domain 1: targeting

In line with the responses to the question “do you set a target for yourself before the match?”, the study found two categories and eight codes under the “target setting” theme (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.Targeting.

The participant views on these topics are as follows:

“I take the field aiming to contribute to team play. I believe that I have to do my best in terms of the match.” (P1, P7, P10)

“I set no target for goal number. It is something to change in the course of the game.” (P9)

On the contrary, P4 and P2 narrated that they take the field by setting a target of scoring a goal before each match.

“I set a target saying that ‘I will score a goal.’ That motivates me before the game.” (P4, P2)

P2 and P8 stated that they were always in the game and active by following the match even when they were substitute players.

“I display better performance when I am a substitute, thinking about what I will do when I enter the game and analyzing the opposing team well while following the game.” (P2, P8)

P6 emphasized that striker’s self-confidence was a critical aspect when taking on the field, and coaches’ leadership qualification would increase the self-reliance of the supporters.

“I consider the instance I get the first ball in the match as a critical moment. Additionally, the bond established between the supporters and coach always motivates me.” (P6)

P3 and P5 mentioned that their dreams of playing in better football clubs had a motivating factor in their target setting.

“The more goals I score, the better my career is because the team I will play for and the salary I will earn will increase when I transfer.” (P5, P3)

P6, P9 and P10 similarly indicated that the primary factor influencing their objectives was higher economic earnings in the following season.

“My performance in the present year actually determines the amount of money I will earn next year” (P6, P9, P10)

P4, P8 and P9 commented that the quality of the players in the team is the most significant aspect in achieving the targeted goal-scoring.

“If the team is strong, it is easier for me to reach my targets, and thus, I set my targets accordingly.” (P4, P8, P9)

P7 emphasized that being at ease and re-experiencing the same post-goal happiness were the most critical components of his success.

“That feeling of happiness after scoring a goal is my only motivation.” (P7)

3.2 Domain 2: motivation sustainability

Regarding the question “After scoring a goal in a match, do you maintain your motivation as when you started the game?”, the study identified two categories and eight codes under the “motivation sustainability” theme (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2.Motivation sustainability.

The participants used the following statements on this subject.

“A goal you score early in the game may change the way you play the game in terms of self-confidence.” (P1, P4)

“My motivation and self-confidence rise if I score a goal and get off to a good start.” (P2, P6, P7)

Besides remarks of the other participants, P6 added that he had experienced post-goal demotivation at a younger age since he had already achieved satisfaction early in the match. He asserted that his performance improved, and the number of goals he scored increased after learning that such a mindset was incorrect.

“When I scored a goal in my 20s, I would consider myself to have reached my target since I was inexperienced. But now, I realize that this is not so.” (P6)

Strikers indicated that after gaining the score advantage in the game, they tactically utilized it without losing motivation and the request to go toward new goals.

“I am trying to keep possession of the ball and keep it more in my team.” (P1, P3)

“After scoring the first goal, I try to score as much as I can.” (P4)

Among the participants, P2 emphasized that the injuries he had suffered, the stadium atmosphere, the fans, and the climate conditions influenced motivation sustainability.

“Due to my knee injury, synthetic football field, rough surface, and cold weather influence me mentally, whereas the spectators in the stadium motivate me positively.” (P2)

3.3 Domain 3: elements affecting the request to go goal

Regarding the responses to the question “What are the elements influencing your request to go goal?”, two categories and 14 (fourteen) codes under the theme of “elements affecting the request to go goal” have been identified (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3.Elements affecting the request to go goal.

The participants in this category explicitly emphasized a sense of belonging to their club.

“When I feel unable to establish a bond with my club, I cannot promptly perform the task that I was requested to do.” (P8, P9)

Strikers articulated that increased financial gain and better living conditions encourage them for scoring goals.

“Better economic conditions, international transfer, broadcasting my matches on international channels, transfer fees, and the team you will get transferred to may be among these factors.” (P1, P3, P5, P6, P10)

“First of all, team selection is an important issue before the season. The better the quality of the players, the better you play, and the more you contribute to the game score.” (P1, P5)

P2, P5 and P7 wanted to relive the feeling they experienced after scoring a goal, emphasizing that this feeling positively influenced their goal-scoring motivation.

“I am thrilled by experiencing the feeling of scoring goals and enabling the team to win a game” (P2, P5, P7)

P6 expressed the significance of the experience.

“I used to be ignorant. I was getting cards as much as I scored, but this state has changed as I gained experience.” (P6)

P2 and P3 commented that when they scored, their friends, families, and community get proud, and thus this context reflected positively on their performance.

“What motivates me is making my family and the team supporters happy and proud.” (P2, P3)

P5 asserted that he had to go beyond his limits.

“Transferring abroad to famous teams in better living conditions is my only target.” (P5)

P7 claimed that positive relationships with his coach and teammates influenced his willingness positively to score goals.

“The attitudes of my coach and positive teammate dynamics within the team definitely affect me.” (P7)

P9 remarked that he turned a striking moment in his football career into a totem and used to imagine it before every game.

“I was playing in the amateur league when I was 16. I still listen to the music the way I did since then whenever I go playing a game, and I continue to relive that moment.” (P9)

P8 and P9 stated that motivational talks and support given by his surrounding circles contributed positively to score goals.

“The motivation of the team supporters and public expectations foster my motivation.” (P8, P9)

P1 indicated that the club’s economic condition and the coach’s game system are significant issues of goal-scoring motivation.

“To agnize the game system of a coach and have a club that meets its financial obligations is always supportive.” (P1)

3.4 Domain 4: target renewal

Analysis of the responses to the question “Do you make any in-seasonal target renewal for yourself after reaching a certain number of goal scores?”, led to two categories and five codes under the “target renewal” theme (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4.Target renewal.

P1, P2 and P8 communicated that they favored setting no limits or restrictions on their seasonal goal-scoring targets. Strikers further indicated that they preferred to put forth the best performance as setting a target.

“I never set a target for goal-scoring. My primary objective is to contribute my best. When I set a target, it makes me focused accordingly and delimits my abilities.” (P1, P2, P8)

However, P4 is among the strikers who set a preseasonal scoring target for himself.

“My initial target is six goals, then 10, then 15, then 20, so as I reach my target, I renew my targets by myself.” (P4)

However, P6, P7 and P10 indicated that strikers should set a preseasonal goal-scoring aim for themselves, emphasizing the need for such goals to be attainable and realistic.

“There should be a preseasonal goal-scoring target. I give myself realistic targets to strive for.” (P6, P7, P10)

Contrarily, P9 commented that he set a target for the first time, whereas he strayed too far from it. He further stated that such circumstances would not trigger stress and would do his best to achieve the number of goal-scoring targets he has set.

“I set a goal-scoring target for the first time this year. I am aware that not setting a target is a shortcoming.” (P9)

3.5 Domain 5: goal-scoring motivation

The responses to the question “When you take the field, do you feel yourself motivated for goal-scoring?”, are grouped in two categories and eight codes under the “goal-scoring motivation” theme (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5.Goal-scoring motivation.

Strikers mentioned that they inculcated such habits along with their personal and unique techniques to display high performance. However, they also noted that the goal-scoring pressure is one of the negative components affecting this context. The perception of “you have to score a goal” and repeated discourses on the strikers in Turkey adversely influenced their personal views leading to declined performance.

“There is a pressure to score a goal, especially in Turkey.” (P4, P6, P8)

P2, P6 and P10 mentioned that they have some routine habits enabling them to feel better and think positively enhancing their performance.

“A good warm-up, for instance, is crucial to me. Weather conditions, nutrition, and good sleep are also effective for my match performance.” (P2, P6, P10)

Strikers claimed that their energy fluctuated for no particular reason when asked about their goal-scoring motivation prior to the match. They mentioned that poor-quality football field and competition conditions, disparaging remarks of the coach and teammates, extreme air temperature, and persistence of the trainer to make the footballer play in a different position are the primary elements that contributed to this predicament.

“When I step on the field, I do not even feel like playing if the weather condition and the playground is bad, or there is no spectator.” (P2, P3)

“I intensely feel things as I warm up. Sometimes I feel bad, then things go bad.” (P4)

“I feel like scoring in the warm-up or on the bus. I think that I will score a goal.” (P5)

“Not as motivation, but energy is essential.” (P10)

P7 and P9, mentioned that we-feeling and sense of responsibility positively affect motivation to score goals.

“My sense of belonging to the team and the favorable attitudes of my teammates all influence me positively.” (P7, P9)

3.6 Domain 6: performance improvement methods

Analysis of the answers to the question, “how do you mentally prepare yourself to improve your performance before and during the competition?”, the analysis concluded one category and four codes under the “performance improvement method” theme (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6.Performance improvement method.

Participants stated that they thoroughly judged the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team before each game and consequently coached their football training on technical and tactical evaluation. They told that they mentally prepared themselves for the matches.

“I usually get some rest the night before the camp, contemplating the game. As mentioned by the phrase “live the match within while sleeping”, which has been iterated since the youth teams, I think about how I will react to the scenario and future scenarios that potentially occur While lying down.” (P6, P7)

P8, P9 and P10 claimed that from the moment they wake up on the day of the match, their mental preparation intensifies as the match time approaches.

“When I step on the field, I conceive everything in my mind for 20–30 minutes during warm-up and walking on the field. I visualize every position relevant to the match in my head. The team fans are also highly influential on me. Such mental preparation has a positive impact on the football field.” (P8, P9, P10)

The motivation and energy levels of the strikers are reportedly increased by using their lucky charms, listening to music on game day, and interacting with their families.

“I would rather get together with my family on the morning of the match. I eat the biscuit I always liked and have lucky charms. This contributes to me in terms of performance, energy, and power.” (P1, P5)