Goal setting and SMART targets

Question 1

What is a performance goal?

Answer 1

focuses on your own personal performance
you can compare yourself against what you have already done

Question 2

Why are performance goals considered better than outcome goals?

Answer 2

• no comparison with other performers
• because the focus on improving personal performance, the overall standard of performance will increase
• they are more motivating than outcome goals as they do not rely on others

Question 3

What is an outcome goal?

Answer 3

focuses on the end result such as winning, they are literally the desired outcome of a game or match

Question 4

How can outcome goals be used?

Answer 4

• motivate advanced players to achieve the desired result
• however, some performers can be so focused on the end result their individual performance decreases
• as an individual you do not always have control over the end result as it often relies on others performance (play well but still lose)

Question 5

Why should performers use goal setting?

Answer 5

• to keep performer motivated
• monitor progress
• to make performer have the feel-good factor
• to keep performer focused
• to help the planning of successful training sessions

Question 6

SMART targets: Specific

Answer 6

goal must be clear, it cannot be vague
it has to be clear and focus on what you want to improve

e.g. to improve percentage of successful passes in football

Question 7

SMART targets: Measurable

Answer 7

in order for your goal to be successful it must have something that can be measured
This can be time, distance or numbers

e.g. I want to get an average of a 90% successful pass rate in football

Question 8

SMART targets: Accepted

Answer 8

Must be accepted by yourself and a coach or teammate

Question 9

SMART targets: Realistic

Answer 9

The goal set must be realistic and one that is possible given all the factors involved such as your fitness level, the time required and the facilities available

e.g. an extra 5% success rate is realistic as I am practicing extra passing drills

Question 10

SMART targets: Time-bound

Answer 10

Must have a time frame to complete
You need a cut-off point to when you want to achieve it so you can see the effect of the training

e.g. I am going to achieve a 90% successful pass rate by the end of the season