Sport enjoyment means having a good time while playing sports (Scanlan et al., 2016). It involves feeling happy, having fun, and liking the experience (Scanlan et al., 2016). People of all ages, genders, and backgrounds can experience sport enjoyment. Research shows that when athletes enjoy their sport, they are more likely to keep playing and put in effort (Scanlan et al., 2005; Scanlan et al., 2016). This enjoyment is a key part of a theory called Sport Commitment Theory, which explains why people keep playing sports (Scanlan et al., 1989). There are many different things that can make someone enjoy playing sports, like feeling skilled, winning, or being recognized by others (Scanlan et al., 1989; Scanlan et al., 2005). Understanding what makes people enjoy sports can help parents, coaches, and psychologists create better sports experiences that encourage people to keep playing (Scanlan et al., 2005).
Scanlan, T. K., Babkes, M. L., & Scanlan, L. A. (2005). Participation in sport: A developmental glimpse at emotion. In J. L. Mahoney, R. W. Larson, & J. S. Eccles (Eds.), Organized activities as contexts of development: Extracurricular activities, after-school and community pro- grams (pp. 275309). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Scanlan, T. K., Chow, G. M., Sousa, C., Scanlan, L. A., & Knifsend, C. A. (2016). The development of the Sport Commitment Questionnaire-2 (English Version). Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 22, 233246.
Scanlan, T. K., Russell, D. G., Magyar, T. M., & Scanlan, L. A. (2009). Project on Elite Athlete Commitment (PEAK): III. An examination of the external validity across gender, and the expansion and clarification of the Sport Commitment Model. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 31, 685705.
Scanlan, T. K., Stein, G. L., & Ravizza, K. (1989). An in-depth study of former elite figure skaters: II. Sources of enjoyment. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11, 6583.
