Goal-setting

Section: Understanding Goal-setting

  • Appreciate that goal-setting is a significant aspect of mental preparation in sports.
  • Understand that it involves establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) targets to enhance performance.
  • Recognise that goals could be process-oriented (focusing on the techniques or strategies to be used), performance-oriented (concentrating on improving personal bests), or outcome-oriented (centred around winning or losing).

Section: Benefits of Goal-setting

  • Understand the motivational power of goal-setting, providing a direction and purpose to sports training and competition.
  • Realise the role of goals in boosting confidence and self-efficacy, especially when smaller, short-term goals are met on the way to long-term targets.
  • Know that achieving set goals can lead to increased satisfaction and enjoyment in the sport.

Section: Risks and Limitations of Goal-setting

  • Be aware that setting unrealistic or inappropriate goals can cause distress and pressure, potentially leading to decreased performance or burnout in athletes.
  • Understand that focusing too much on outcome-oriented goals, such as winning, can distract from the process and inhibit performance improvement.
  • Realise the importance of flexibility in goal-setting. Goals should be adaptable, recognising that circumstances and abilities can change over time.

Section: Effective Goal-setting Strategies

  • Recognise the SMART criteria for effective goal-setting: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
  • Understand the role of regular monitoring and review of goals, adapting them as necessary to maintain their relevancy and achievability.
  • Recognise the significance of maintaining a balance between short-term and long-term goals, ensuring that they work together to maintain motivation and promote progression.

Section: Role of Coaches in Goal-setting

  • Know how coaches can help in the goal-setting process by providing expert input, guidance, and support.
  • Understand the importance of the coach working closely with the athlete to set appropriate and individualised goals based on the athlete’s skills, needs, and aspirations.
  • Acknowledge that coaches can also assist with monitoring progress towards set goals, providing encouragement and constructive feedback.