Goal setting is a motivational tool used by coaches in many individual and team sports. Goal setting is the process of setting performance targets for athletes and teams, with time specific deadlines of when the goals should be met. Goal setting serves as a barometer that performance can be measured against, providing motivation and serving as a performance indicator.
Types
Task-oriented and ego-oriented are the two main forms of goals recognized in sport psychology.
Mental training consultant Karlene Sugarman explains that task-oriented focuses on the process over the end result. A task-oriented athlete would be most concerned with training, behavior and performance. Researchers from Bangor University in Wales explain that ego-oriented goals focus on end results and compare performance with others.
An example of these different goals could be displayed by an American football quarterback. A task-oriented goal would involve perfecting his throwing technique, whereas an ego-oriented goal would be to throw 20 touchdown passes.
A coach should encourage athletes to set a range of both task-oriented and ego-oriented goals, and take note of what motivates their athletes the most.
Time Frame
The Goal Setting Guide website explain that time frame is a crucial aspect of goal setting. If an athlete sets a goal such as scoring five goals in soccer, the time frame is crucial. Whether that goal is intended for five game, five months or the entire season is a crucial element of measuring performance.
A coach should stretch an athlete when setting the time frame for goals, but still ensure a realistic chance of success if the athlete works hard. The coach should encourage athletes to set a mixture of short-term and long-term goals to monitor performance levels on an ongoing basis.
Considerations
A coach should sit with an athlete before the season to discuss and agree upon the goals for the upcoming season. This will allow the coach to influence the goals, while allowing the athlete the involvement in the process that will ensure a higher level of motivation.
Brent Rushall of San Diego State University emphasizes the importance of a coach becoming actively involved in the goal-setting process of an athlete.
Benefits
Goal setting allows a coach and athlete to constantly monitor performance throughout a sports season. If an athlete is achieving goals in areas such as task-oriented skill development, this can maintain motivation even if the team is losing on a consistent basis. A coach also has motivational leverage if an athlete is falling short of goals that he agreed upon in preseason.
Expert Insight
Dr. Heather Barber of U.S. Soccer emphasized the importance of setting goals at the correct level. Goals too difficult to achieve can have a demoralizing effect on confidence, whereas goals too easy can lead an athlete to not push as hard when trying to achieve them. Dr. Barber stated that goals should be reviewed and adjusted to keep optimal motivation and performance throughout the season.
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