Targets for development
Understanding Targets for Development
- Targets for development are explicit goals set to improve a particular skill or aspect of performance.
- They are essential for maintaining focus and indicating the direction of improvement in sports activities.
- Targets can range from short-term daily goals, like perfecting a certain technique, to long-term goals, like increasing overall game performance.
- These targets should be S.M.A.R.T – specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound – this makes them more effective and easier to track.
Setting Targets for Development
- Sports leaders should outline clearly what is needed to reach each target; this could include specific techniques or routines.
- Targets should be relevant to the individual and the sport. The best targets are those that directly improve performance or skill.
- For effectiveness, leaders should ensure targets are challenging yet achievable. Overly easy targets won’t drive improvement, while unattainable ones may discourage participants.
- Leaders should also provide a timeframe in which a target should ideally be achieved. This can motivate individuals and adds a sense of urgency.
Evaluating Targets for Development
- It’s crucial to evaluate progress regularly towards the targets. This can help motivate participants and allow adjustments to be made if needed.
- Development targets should be seen as flexible; as improvement is made, targets can and should be updated to continue to push for progression.
Relationships between Targets and Feedback
- Feedback plays a crucial role in setting and evaluating targets for development. It provides vital information on what’s working, what’s not, and how to improve.
- Positive feedback encourages participants and affirms that they are making progress towards their targets.
- Constructive feedback helps identify areas of weakness and can guide the setting of new development targets.
Incorporating Targets into Leading Sports Activities
- Incorporating targets into sports activities provides structure and goals for participants. They provide something tangible to work towards.
- Targets can also enhance the enjoyability and engagement of sports activities, as participants can feel progress and a sense of accomplishment.
- Leaders can use targets to guide the structure of the activity, whether that’s to focus on individual skills, team strategies, or fitness improvement.
- By ranging targets from short-term tactical changes to long-term skill development, leaders can create a well-rounded and diverse training programme.