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2.2 Goal-setting and SMART targets Typeit
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Goal-setting is used by athletes and coaches for a range of different purposes, the most common of which are explored below.
Goal-setting is important to provide on short-term objectives and long-term aims of training and performance. This helps cut out external that might obstruct progress from being made. For example, it can be quite easy for the performer to get side-tracked on needless tasks that don't contribute to improving performance. This can be demonstrated by a cyclist who skips a cycling session to participate in swimming with a friend, thereby lacking specificity in training.
Goal-setting can also used to athletes to set and achieve ambitious targets that ensure they are constantly being pushed to the best of their ability. If goals lack ambition, the performer will make little progress and experience a in performance. For example, a football team who had a top 4 finish in the previous season would benefit less from setting a goal to finish in the top 10 the following season than they would by aiming to finish in the top 2.
Having goals in place can also improve to the training programme as without completing the entire programme, the goal becomes more difficult to achieve. For example, without having a system in place, the performer may be more inclined to skip a training session, which would result in their progression stalling.
Another important aspect of goal-setting is that it allows for training to be to determine whether any progress is being made. This can help highlight any issues with the current programme and inform any subsequent that need to be made. For example, a weightlifter who has been unable to increase their load in two weeks might need to reassess their approach to training.
In order to set the initial goal, the coach or athlete should have a good understanding of their current fitness levels. This could involve carrying out an appropriate fitness test for a component of fitness relevant to their performance. For example, a sprinter might perform the the 30 m speed test to get an idea of their baseline level of performance before setting an ambitious target to aim for. It is important for this target to be regularly in order to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments.