importance of goal settings

Question 1

process goal

Answer 1

• Based on improving technique
• Should lead to better performance
• Technique based
• No social comparison
• Internal unstable attribution
• Controllable
• Build confidence
• Drive reduction theory

Question 2

performance goal

Answer 2

• When the athlete sets a goal to better their own performance rather than comparing to others
• These are judged against their previous performances in an attempt to improve personal achievements
• These are not based on comparison to others
• To achieve this, it might be appropriate to break dow the performance into specific techniques
• E.g a swimmer may focus on developing a better turn and a better arm action to improve overall performance
• Personal best
• Personal standard
• No social comparison
• Largely controllable

Question 3

Task - oriented goals (collective for both performance and progress goal)

Answer 3

• Getting a better performance
• More concerned with improvements in technique or performance
• An athlete could achieve their goal even if they don’t win (achieving a PB)
• Motivation can still be achieved and performance is not compared to others but an evaluation based on their past performance

Question 4

Outcome goal (product goals)

Answer 4

• A goal set against the performance of others and based on a result
• These goals concern the result and are success based
• Not always about winning; an athlete could have a target of finishing in the top 3 if this was a realistic goal
• This will maintain motivation
• Athlete may not be concerned with the technique used, as long as the goal is reached
• There is a danger here that the goal may not be achieved and the athlete loses motivation
• Less experienced atlete or less talented athlete may need a performance style goal
• Outcome goals often involve a comparison to others
• Long term
• End result
  winning/losing
• Make a final
• Selected for the next team above
• Not directly controllable
• Statistically less likely

Question 5

smarter goal

Answer 5

• specific
• measureable
• achievable
• realistic
• time bound
• evaulte
• remeasure

Question 6

specific

smarter goal

Answer 6

• Goals should be clear and precise, perhaps using data
• Specific to performer and sport
• Goals should be clear and relevant to improve specific aspects of performance
• E.G improving your defence is too general, improving your chop tackle is specific
• Skill, area of the body
• Energy systems
• Intended goals

Question 7

measureable

smarter goal

Answer 7

• Some form of assessment should occur to aid motivation
• Performer should have access to statistics
• Measurements allow the performer to see how much progress has been made towards complete their goal
• Feedback should be precise to allow progress to be measures
• Objective
• Achieved or failed
• Scores, heights, times

Question 8

achievable

smarter goal

Answer 8

• The performer should be able to reach their goal
• Amount of effort, motivation and self satisfaction are improved
• The willingness to extend the target can be achieved
• Challenging but realistic
• “Arms reach”
• Time phasing

Question 9

realsitic

smarter goal

Answer 9

• Pals should be within reach ti prompt motivation and sustain effort
• It shouldn’t be too difficult that it is impossible to reach
• Goals should be achievable with effort so that the players gain satisfaction and confidence
• A too challenging goal could cause anxiety
• Must not be unrealistic
• Similar to achievable

Question 10

time bound

smarter goal

Answer 10

• Short term and long term steps should be clearly defined
• Clear deadline for coach and player to assess if the goal has been reached
• Player and coach can gauge progress and keep motivation levels high
• Working to a specific time scale
• Relates to achievable

Question 11

evaluate

smarter goals

Answer 11

• Performer and coach should evaluate how and when the goal was achieved so that future attempts at reaching targets can be assessed
• Coach and player should consider the methods that worked well and the ones that didn’t
• Measure and remeasure

Question 12

re measure

smarter goal

Answer 12

• If the target has not been reacher, or progress is slow, or the performer thinks they can do something better, they must do it again
• The target could be adjusted to help ensure success
• Repeat goal setting
• Apply drive reduction theory (don’t want to be demotivated)

Question 13

benefits of goal setting

smarter goals

Answer 13

• Goal setting reduces the effect of social loafing
• Widely used in sports as it brings benefits for the performer
• Increases motivation
• Enables performer to keep trying
• Players may become task persistent - there is a target that requires some effort to achieve
• A sense of pride and satisfaction is experienced if this target is reached which increases intrinsic motivations
  Improves confidence
• Performer can experience an improvement in technique or in results as the target is reached
• Regulating and sustaining effort
• As the performer goals near completion, they may increase effort to get there
• Coach may need to adjust the target for a specific competition or event