SMART targets

Question 1

What does the ‘S’ stand for in SMART?

Answer 1

SPECIFIC
Your goals should be specific to the demands of your sport, the muscles that you use and the movements and techniques involved.

(For example, there is no point in setting the goal of improving your speed if you are a golfer.

Question 2

What does the ‘M’ stand for in SMART?

Answer 2

MEASURABLE
Your goals should be measurable so that you can clearly see whether you have achieved them or not.

E.g. If your goal is to improve speed, you need to carry out regular speed tests to measure progress.

Question 3

What does the ‘A’ stand for in SMART?

Answer 3

ACCEPTED
The performer and the performer’s coach must agree on the goals that are set.
If the performer accepts the goals, they will be more motivated to achieve and work towards them.

Question 4

What does the ‘R’ stand for in SMART?

Answer 4

REALISTIC
Your goals must be achievable. If they are too difficult to achieve, then the performer could lose interest and give up on them.

Question 5

What does the ‘T’ stand for in SMART?

Answer 5

TIME-BOUND
Your goals must be set over a fixed period of time.
This gives a performer enough time to achieve them. There is no point in asking a performer to improve their speed by an unrealistic amount in just one week.