Triandis (1971) described attitudes as “Ideas charged with emotion (positive or negative) which predisposes a class of actions to a particular social situation.” This refers to a persons own thoughts and ideas provoking a certain behaviour when we are placed in different situations.

A positive attitude has been described by Mann (1973) simply as “an admiration and liking for a particular activity or event.” At the other end of the scale is negative attitudes described by Calder wood (1996) as “an attitude that reflects upon unpleasant experiences or failures which then condition the way we view similar situations.”

In order to refine a netball players performance it is essential a positive attitude is attained. A positive attitude to both the game and an individuals performance within the game is largely determined by attitude. For example if a player has a positive attitude towards netball they will develop a high level of self esteem which will give them a greater enjoyment of the game and more motivation to train and play, thus improving their performance within the sport.

In a survey looking at methods for changing attitudes Barker (1997) found that 67% of coaches found the persuasion approach for changing attitudes to be beneficial provided the target groups were willing to listen and interpret the messages being given, it was found that with recipients between the ages of 15-18 years this form of attitude change was less successful and other methods were found to be more beneficial.

hutz (1982) claimed “positive attitudes towards sport and PE often come about by encouragement from others, opportunities to continue participation, and having some success from participating.” Woods (1996) conducted research into attitudes towards physical education and exercise in general. Although finding no submerging pattern in pupils attitudes towards exercise and P.E. Woods did continue to explore the reasons for attitude formulation and suggested; “Many people have negative attitudes, this can be for a number of reasons which may include finding exercise frustrating or boring, being discouraged by others, and the person may have a negative physical self-concept.”

Some topics in this essay:
PE Woods, UK Wajer, Wamukoya Hardman, Literature Meek, Heads PE, , Welsman Armstrong, Physical Education, Holley Miller, United Kingdom, attitudes towards, negative attitudes, positive attitude, physical education, attitude change, positive attitudes, towards netball, role models, changing attitudes, towards physical, towards physical education, positive attitude towards, physically awkward children, attitudes towards netball, towards netball sport,