This article is provided by Coaches Network Track and Field is a sport where goal setting is important and where goals are easy to identify. Times and distances are very concrete and definable goals. With the start of the Track and Field season just around the corner, It might be time to set down with your athletes and discuss their goals for the upcoming season. Setting good goals and focusing on activities that will help them reach their goals will increase the chances for both individual and team success. In the article below you will get some guidelines for teaching athletes to how to set goals
By Kevin Bryant
A great way to keep athletes focused and driven is by having them devise goals. Goal-setting provides direction, increases motivation, directs attention, and raises self-confidence. But how can you teach goal setting in a simple way?
Here is a lesson plan:
1. Define “goal” and provide examples. Coaches can offer some of their own goals, both for the team and their own life.
2. Share the benefits of goal-setting, which include:
• Providing motivation in the face of discouragement or a challenge
• Enhancing concentration
• Boosting self confidence
• Creating a positive mental attitude.
3. Talk about the difference between outcome goals and process goals. An outcome goal can be winning a league title, while a process goal can be related to improving a skill.
4. Explain how to set effective goals. Outline that they should be:
• Specific and measurable
• Attainable but moderately difficult
• Positive and not negative.
Also outline the different types of goals:
5. Ask athletes to devise some of their own. Start with a weekly goal, have the athletes share theirs, and then critique them as a group. Discuss which goals work better than others and why.
6. Give an assignment for athletes to refine their weekly goals and make two more short-term and two season-long goals, both individual and team-wide.