Goal-setting in sports is designed to help an athlete continuously improve. For athletes to be successful, goals must be set throughout the entire sports season. The types of goals athletes need to set are outcome goals, performance goals and process goals.
Outcome Goals
Outcome goals are based on competition or the athletic event. The outcome goals are how well you perform in competition, or whether you win or lose. In outcome goals, you are comparing yourself to others. In basketball, it might be winning the game or scoring to most points in the game. In bodybuilding, it might be how well you place compared to the other bodybuilders. The outcome goals are usually the final or main goal you are trying to achieve.
Performance Goals
Unlike outcome goals, performance goals do not involve comparison of yourself with others, and are more in your control, according to Gabriel Wilson of ABC Bodybuilding. These goals can you achieve your personal best. For example, you might not have won the basketball game, but you scored more points than you ever have in a game. In weightlifting, it might be increasing your one rep max on the bench press.
Process Goals
Process goals are day-to-day goals in how you are going to work to achieve your outcome goal or main goal. Process goals might be your daily workout schedule and what you want to achieve during one particular workout. These types of goals narrow your focus and allow you to take smaller steps in achieving the ultimate goal. Process goals can be anything from diet plans to improving technique during training sessions.
Sport Season Goals
Athletes need to set goals throughout the entire sports session. The priorities of the athlete's sport season determine the primary goal for the resistance training program, according National Strength and Conditioning Association. During the off-season, athletes should focus on resistance training and improving muscular strength and power. Preseason training should focus on sport-specific muscular strength, power or endurance, depending on the sport. In-season training should mainly consist of sport-specific training and practices. Post-season training should consist of rest, allowing time to recover from the season.
References
- ABC Bodybuilding: How to Optimize Performance, Process, & Outcome Goals
- "Essentials Of Strength Training and Conditioning"; National Strength and Conditional Association; 2000
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