Goal setting and SMART targets

• Elite performers and goals

  An elite performer will often set an outcome goal such as winning Olympic gold in the 100m, this will drive them to succeed.

  They will also have lots of performance goals to help them achieve their outcome goal. E.g. Improve leg power to help with the sprint start to drive away from the blocks.

  Performance and outcome goals can be combined. Outcome goals should be avoided without performance goals because there are factors that can't be controlled, e.g. the performance of others. This can be demoralising if the goal is not completed.
• SMART targets


  Specific to the demands of the sport/muscles used/states what needs to be done.

  It must be possible to measure whether it has been achieved.

  It must be accepted by the performer and their coach/all people involved.

  It must be possible to complete, the person must be capable.

  It must be set over a fixed period of time.
• How can you set goals to be effective?

  To be effective, there must be an overall breakdown of the goal you want to achieve.

  E.g. a team that wants to win the league, may have to concentrate first on winning more games away from home.

  For this to happen there may be short term goals of improving attacking/defensive play.

  It can be motivating to split long-term goals into medium term and short term goals which are more specific and manageable.
• Performance goals


  Helps the athlete to focus on an aspect of performance that they are in total control of. A performance goal might be a 200 m sprinter trying to beat their personal best
• Outcome goals


  Focus on the end-point of an event, for example a competitive result such as winning a match or specific event e.g. winning a gold medal at the Olympics.
• Beginners vs Elite


  Beginners tend to attempt to perform a skill the same way every time, whereas elite sportspeople are able to vary how they use skills.