Setting achievable goals is fundamental for an athlete’s development. Guiding your athlete through this process ensures they stay motivated and focused on improvement.

Assessing Abilities and Prioritizing Process:

Begin by thoroughly evaluating your athlete’s current skill level, understanding their strengths, and identifying areas for improvement. This establishes a realistic baseline for goal setting. Shift the focus from solely outcome-based goals (like winning) to process-oriented goals. Emphasize the actions and habits necessary for improvement, such as consistent training, technique refinement, and mental focus. This approach fosters a growth mindset and ensures progress is measurable.

Breaking Down Goals and Applying the SMART Framework:

Long-term goals can be daunting. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps that are easier to achieve, creating a sense of accomplishment along the way. Implement the SMART goal framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This ensures goals are clearly defined, trackable, and aligned with your athlete’s overall objectives. For example, instead of “get better,” aim for “increase free throw percentage by 15% in three months.”

Encouraging Athlete Ownership and Input:

Involve your athlete in the goal-setting process. Their active participation fosters ownership and increases motivation. Encourage them to articulate their aspirations and contribute to the development of their training plan. Help them understand how realistic goal setting contributes to their overall development and how each goal fits into their long-term athletic journey. Open communication and collaboration are essential for creating a supportive and effective goal-setting environment.

To find a coach who can assist with goal setting, visit this article: How do I find a coach?

To understand how coaches are evaluated, including their ability to guide athletes in goal achievement, visit this article: How do you evaluate coaches?