HRPYC81- RESEARCH REPORT
RESEARCH REPORT FOR PROJECT 4812
ASSIGNMENT NUMBER 57
TITLE OF STUDY:
A CASE STUDY INVESTIGATION OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING SOUTH AFRICAN
NETBALL PERFORMANCE
SURNAME: ??? INITIALS: ?
STUDENT NUMBER: ######
EXAMINATION PERIOD: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019
,INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The financial assistance of the National Research Foundation (NRF) towards this research is
hereby acknowledged. Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at, are those of the author and
are not necessarily to be attributed to the NRF.
,INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 3
CONTENTS
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 6
REVIEW OF LITERATURE ......................................................................................................... 7
Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Intrinsic Factors .......................................................................................................................... 7
Self-efficacy ............................................................................................................................. 7
Mental Toughness ................................................................................................................... 9
Motivation ............................................................................................................................. 11
Extrinsic factors ........................................................................................................................ 13
Team cohesion ...................................................................................................................... 13
The Coach ............................................................................................................................. 15
Social Support ....................................................................................................................... 16
Summary ................................................................................................................................... 18
RESEARCH QUESTIONS .......................................................................................................... 19
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................. 19
METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................................... 20
Research Design........................................................................................................................ 20
Participants/ Sampling .............................................................................................................. 20
Ethical considerations ............................................................................................................... 20
Reliability and Validity ............................................................................................................. 21
DATA COLLECTION ................................................................................................................. 22
,INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 4
Interview method and procedure .............................................................................................. 22
Data analysis ............................................................................................................................. 23
RESULTS ..................................................................................................................................... 26
External factors versus Internal Factors of Performance .......................................................... 26
Internal Strengths Versus Internal Weaknesses Versus Advice ............................................... 28
External Weaknesses and External Strengths Versus Advice .................................................. 30
DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................... 33
LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................... 36
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 37
REFERENCE LIST ...................................................................................................................... 38
ADDENDUM A: INFORMATION SHEET ................................................................................ 45
ADDENDUM B: CONSENT FORM ........................................................................................... 47
ADDENDUM C: INTERVIEW ................................................................................................... 48
ADDENDUM D: DATA ANALYSIS TABLE ........................................................................... 50
PLAGIARISM DECLARATION ................................................................................................. 54
,INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 5
A CASE STUDY INVESTIGATION OF THE FACTOR’S INFLUENCING SOUTH
AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE
Abstract
With the growth in popularity and success of netball in South Africa, the need to understand the
determinants of netball achievement has increased. The single case study aimed to investigate the
intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) factors that influence a South African netball player's
performance. A female athlete was interviewed on her experience of netball participation in South
Africa. Using thematic analysis, the researcher identified physical/physiological, behavioral and
intrapersonal factors. Motivation was perceived to be the most important internal factor.
Additionally, external factors related to the environment, social domains and interpersonal
relationships were discovered. According to the findings, the coach is rated as the most important
external factor. Literature research revealed the correlation between psychological concepts and
the factors reported by the athlete. These constructs included motivation, self-efficacy, mental
toughness, social support group cohesion, and coach-athlete relationship. These concepts were
used in an integrative manner to gain a comprehensive understanding of the influential factors and,
how they can be altered to increase netball performance. lastly, strategies for performance
enhancement are suggested and discussed. Therefore, this research consults the current gap of
knowledge in South African netball performance and suggest manners in which South African
netball success can be enhanced.
Keywords: netball; sports performance; motivation; self-efficacy; mental toughness; group
cohesion; social support; coaching; South Africa; Case study
,INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 6
INTRODUCTION
Netball is the largest woman’s sport in South Africa. Furthermore, the South African team, The
Proteas is ranked 5th by The International Netball Federation. The team recently placed 4th in
the 2019 Netball World Cup, which is an outstanding achievement. Despite the substantial growth
in success and participation in South African netball over the last decade, there is still a paucity of
knowledge on the factors that influence netball performance. Furthermore, the lack of knowledge
on performance achievement in netball may be holding South African Netball teams back from
achieving a winning status.
Previous sports psychological research has indicated that athletic performance is influenced by
both individual (intrinsic) and environmental (extrinsic) factors (Baker, Horton, Robertson-Wilson
& Wall, 2003; Short, 2014). Intrinsic is defined as being inherently and naturally based with no
dependence on external circumstances. Conversely, extrinsic refers to factors or forces that affect
an individual from outside (Collins English Dictionary, 1994). Although some research has
addressed the influence of such factors in various sporting contexts, netball performance in South
Africa requires further scientific inquiry. The research will provide a better understanding of
netball performance for sports psychologists, coaches, and athletes. This can facilitate the
development of intervention strategies to increase performance achievement and, in turn, the
international success of South African Netball.
Sporting success can reap major benefits for a country and its population therefore, it should not
be overlooked. Large sporting events such as the upcoming 2023 Netball world cup in South
Africa, can positively influence the country’s economy, infrastructure, social cohesion, and sport
participation. This can result in community and individual health and social benefits (SRSA, 2009)
Given the current social and economic status of South Africa, intervention strategies to uplift the
country are crucial. Thus, South Africa can utilize its countries natural sporting talent to generate
small- and large-scale positive change. This further emphasizes the desperate need for more sport
psychological research to be conducted on the South African sporting domain.
, INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 7
Therefore, the following research aims to perform a case study investigation into the factors that
influence a South African netball player's performance. An in-depth interview with a netball
athlete will indicate the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that both hinder and enhance performance
achievement. Thereafter thematic analysis will be utilized to determine the factors that influence
the participant's athletic performance in the South African netball context. These findings will then
be integrated with existing literature on sports performance. This research will lay the foundation
for the development of strategies that focus on promoting performance enhancement factors and
counteracting or reducing the impact of factors that negatively influence performance in South
African netball.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Overview
Previous empirical research demonstrates how psychological factors are strong indicators of sports
performance (Orlick & Partington, 1988). The concepts of self-efficacy, mental toughness and
motivation are internal influences that will be analysed. There are also external factors that
contribute significantly to the development of exceptional performance (Baker, Horton,
Robertson-Wilson & Wall, 2003). Some of these factors that will be addressed include team
cohesion, coaching, and social support. Furthermore, previous research on netball will be
consulted as well as studies conducted on various other sports. Additionally, a discussion of
applicable psychological models, theories and empirical research will be integrated and applied to
the South African context of netball in an attempt to discover what enhances and detracts from
athletic performance, as well as what interventions can assist with performance success.
Intrinsic Factors
Self-efficacy
In sport and exercise psychology, self-efficacy is said to be one of the most important
psychological states that affect performance (Short, 2014). The theory of Self-efficacy was
developed by Bandura (1997), it is described as the belief in one’s capabilities to perform a task
and achieve a specific outcome. A metanalysis based on 45 studies examined the correlation
between sports performance and self-efficacy. A mean score of .38 indicated a moderate
RESEARCH REPORT FOR PROJECT 4812
ASSIGNMENT NUMBER 57
TITLE OF STUDY:
A CASE STUDY INVESTIGATION OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING SOUTH AFRICAN
NETBALL PERFORMANCE
SURNAME: ??? INITIALS: ?
STUDENT NUMBER: ######
EXAMINATION PERIOD: OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2019
,INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The financial assistance of the National Research Foundation (NRF) towards this research is
hereby acknowledged. Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at, are those of the author and
are not necessarily to be attributed to the NRF.
,INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 3
CONTENTS
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 6
REVIEW OF LITERATURE ......................................................................................................... 7
Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Intrinsic Factors .......................................................................................................................... 7
Self-efficacy ............................................................................................................................. 7
Mental Toughness ................................................................................................................... 9
Motivation ............................................................................................................................. 11
Extrinsic factors ........................................................................................................................ 13
Team cohesion ...................................................................................................................... 13
The Coach ............................................................................................................................. 15
Social Support ....................................................................................................................... 16
Summary ................................................................................................................................... 18
RESEARCH QUESTIONS .......................................................................................................... 19
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ................................................................................................. 19
METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................................... 20
Research Design........................................................................................................................ 20
Participants/ Sampling .............................................................................................................. 20
Ethical considerations ............................................................................................................... 20
Reliability and Validity ............................................................................................................. 21
DATA COLLECTION ................................................................................................................. 22
,INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 4
Interview method and procedure .............................................................................................. 22
Data analysis ............................................................................................................................. 23
RESULTS ..................................................................................................................................... 26
External factors versus Internal Factors of Performance .......................................................... 26
Internal Strengths Versus Internal Weaknesses Versus Advice ............................................... 28
External Weaknesses and External Strengths Versus Advice .................................................. 30
DISCUSSION ............................................................................................................................... 33
LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE RECOMMENDATIONS ......................................................... 36
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................. 37
REFERENCE LIST ...................................................................................................................... 38
ADDENDUM A: INFORMATION SHEET ................................................................................ 45
ADDENDUM B: CONSENT FORM ........................................................................................... 47
ADDENDUM C: INTERVIEW ................................................................................................... 48
ADDENDUM D: DATA ANALYSIS TABLE ........................................................................... 50
PLAGIARISM DECLARATION ................................................................................................. 54
,INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 5
A CASE STUDY INVESTIGATION OF THE FACTOR’S INFLUENCING SOUTH
AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE
Abstract
With the growth in popularity and success of netball in South Africa, the need to understand the
determinants of netball achievement has increased. The single case study aimed to investigate the
intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) factors that influence a South African netball player's
performance. A female athlete was interviewed on her experience of netball participation in South
Africa. Using thematic analysis, the researcher identified physical/physiological, behavioral and
intrapersonal factors. Motivation was perceived to be the most important internal factor.
Additionally, external factors related to the environment, social domains and interpersonal
relationships were discovered. According to the findings, the coach is rated as the most important
external factor. Literature research revealed the correlation between psychological concepts and
the factors reported by the athlete. These constructs included motivation, self-efficacy, mental
toughness, social support group cohesion, and coach-athlete relationship. These concepts were
used in an integrative manner to gain a comprehensive understanding of the influential factors and,
how they can be altered to increase netball performance. lastly, strategies for performance
enhancement are suggested and discussed. Therefore, this research consults the current gap of
knowledge in South African netball performance and suggest manners in which South African
netball success can be enhanced.
Keywords: netball; sports performance; motivation; self-efficacy; mental toughness; group
cohesion; social support; coaching; South Africa; Case study
,INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 6
INTRODUCTION
Netball is the largest woman’s sport in South Africa. Furthermore, the South African team, The
Proteas is ranked 5th by The International Netball Federation. The team recently placed 4th in
the 2019 Netball World Cup, which is an outstanding achievement. Despite the substantial growth
in success and participation in South African netball over the last decade, there is still a paucity of
knowledge on the factors that influence netball performance. Furthermore, the lack of knowledge
on performance achievement in netball may be holding South African Netball teams back from
achieving a winning status.
Previous sports psychological research has indicated that athletic performance is influenced by
both individual (intrinsic) and environmental (extrinsic) factors (Baker, Horton, Robertson-Wilson
& Wall, 2003; Short, 2014). Intrinsic is defined as being inherently and naturally based with no
dependence on external circumstances. Conversely, extrinsic refers to factors or forces that affect
an individual from outside (Collins English Dictionary, 1994). Although some research has
addressed the influence of such factors in various sporting contexts, netball performance in South
Africa requires further scientific inquiry. The research will provide a better understanding of
netball performance for sports psychologists, coaches, and athletes. This can facilitate the
development of intervention strategies to increase performance achievement and, in turn, the
international success of South African Netball.
Sporting success can reap major benefits for a country and its population therefore, it should not
be overlooked. Large sporting events such as the upcoming 2023 Netball world cup in South
Africa, can positively influence the country’s economy, infrastructure, social cohesion, and sport
participation. This can result in community and individual health and social benefits (SRSA, 2009)
Given the current social and economic status of South Africa, intervention strategies to uplift the
country are crucial. Thus, South Africa can utilize its countries natural sporting talent to generate
small- and large-scale positive change. This further emphasizes the desperate need for more sport
psychological research to be conducted on the South African sporting domain.
, INFLUENCES ON SOUTH AFRICAN NETBALL PERFORMANCE 7
Therefore, the following research aims to perform a case study investigation into the factors that
influence a South African netball player's performance. An in-depth interview with a netball
athlete will indicate the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that both hinder and enhance performance
achievement. Thereafter thematic analysis will be utilized to determine the factors that influence
the participant's athletic performance in the South African netball context. These findings will then
be integrated with existing literature on sports performance. This research will lay the foundation
for the development of strategies that focus on promoting performance enhancement factors and
counteracting or reducing the impact of factors that negatively influence performance in South
African netball.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Overview
Previous empirical research demonstrates how psychological factors are strong indicators of sports
performance (Orlick & Partington, 1988). The concepts of self-efficacy, mental toughness and
motivation are internal influences that will be analysed. There are also external factors that
contribute significantly to the development of exceptional performance (Baker, Horton,
Robertson-Wilson & Wall, 2003). Some of these factors that will be addressed include team
cohesion, coaching, and social support. Furthermore, previous research on netball will be
consulted as well as studies conducted on various other sports. Additionally, a discussion of
applicable psychological models, theories and empirical research will be integrated and applied to
the South African context of netball in an attempt to discover what enhances and detracts from
athletic performance, as well as what interventions can assist with performance success.
Intrinsic Factors
Self-efficacy
In sport and exercise psychology, self-efficacy is said to be one of the most important
psychological states that affect performance (Short, 2014). The theory of Self-efficacy was
developed by Bandura (1997), it is described as the belief in one’s capabilities to perform a task
and achieve a specific outcome. A metanalysis based on 45 studies examined the correlation
between sports performance and self-efficacy. A mean score of .38 indicated a moderate
