摘要:”It has never achieved anything great without enthusiasm!” Ralph Waldo Emerson, american poet and prose writer. The motivation- physical phenomenon that trigger, direct and support energetically the activity.”(DEX, 2010). The present study aims to bring to the attention of colleagues, teachers and coaches, who are training performance athletes, the importance of motivation in psychological training of athletes, motivation being the key to the success and performance of any individual. Methods. Within this research, the methods used in the research of the phenomenon are: the bibliographic method, the study of materials that treat motivation, the method of pedagogical observation and the ascertaining method. Results. By monitoring the behaviour of athletes in training and competitions, they received medals and diplomas, applause, a recognition of achieved performance, praise and encouragement. Conclusions. Motivation is crucial for achieving success and notable performance in the events in which the athlete competes. Motivation has as its main role the development and support of specific behaviours to an athlete until he will constantly adhere to them, manifesting a decreasing need for rewards.