goal setting

• outcome goals

  end results, times, finishing place, ranking or medals

  -can be difficult to achieve because they are linked to factors the athlete cannot control, such as performance of others

  eg. finishing in the top 5 of a race
• performance goals

  past and present performances are compared, irrespective of opponents

  -lead to less anxiety and greater self confidence as the athlete has control over their behaviour; will lead to improvement

  eg. improving a personal best time by 0.10 seconds in the 100m
• process goals

  physical movement and game strategy actions to execute during a competition to reach peak performance

  -effective at improving performance levels because they positively influence other factors such as self-efficacy and confidence

  eg. a team set-play offence in basketball
• SMARTER acyronym

  Specific - as clear and detailed as possible

  Measurable - assessed against a standard or previous performance

  Accepted - should be accepted by all parties involved in preparing the athlete (players, coach, family)

  Realistic - should extend the athlete but be achievable within their ability

  Time phased - include a specific date for completion

  Exciting - athlete needs to be inspired and challenged

  Recorded - should be written down
• goal setting leads to improved performances by

  -focussing attention on important aspects of performance​

  -activating and organising efforts​

  -encouraging perseverance​

  -promoting the development of new strategies​

  -refining movements and set plays​

  -contributing towards a positive psychological state​