It is important to know how to set targets for yourselves as a sportsman. Some of the more common goals are listed below.

I want to become a better player.
I want to become stronger/faster.
I want to win the championship.

What is your vision of success? The image is different for each of us. Even more so, setting goals is more than making the above vague statements. It means creating a written plan that includes reasonable and measurable long-term and short-term objectives. It means setting SMART goals.

Specific
The goal should be as specific as possible. A goal of becoming stronger is not specific. A goal of becoming the top scorer in the competition is specific. Even better is to set a specific target of 1 assist in every game.

Measurable
To be effective, the goal must be measurable. Obviously, scoring 5 goals is measurable, whereas becoming a better player is not measurable as stated. If your goal is truly lies in simply becoming better, identify some aspects that are measurable. Perhaps being able to score from 10 metres 90% of the time with a drag shot, or being able to connect passes to and from your teammates 80% of the time would be appropriate.

Achievable
There’s an art to goal setting that revolves around the goal’s difficulty. A goal too easy is not energizing. A goal too difficult seems hopeless. It goes to say that the goal has to be challenging enough for you to have to put in considerable effort to achieve them. Are you able to visualize yourself reaching the goal? Are you energized by seeing the vision? If both of these are not present, review your goals again.

Realistic
Do you have the knowledge, skill set, and competency to reach your goal? If your goal involves goal scoring, do you know the basic techniques, the different methods of shooting, and how to move to a goal scoring position? If not, perhaps your first goal should be to become competent in these areas.

Time
Setting a deadline provides necessary positive tension to give you the energy to get on with it. The time frame you select should be realistic. Being able to get 90% of your shots on target from 10 metres after 2 weeks is realistic, whereas trying to get 100% shot accuracy within a day is not only unrealistic but puts unnecessary pressure on yourselves.

Get started today by determining what you want. Once you know what you want, you are ready to create your goals. Start with your long-term objectives. These are things you want to accomplish by the end of the year. Next, establish short-term goals. These include monthly, weekly and even daily targets that will move you toward your long-term objectives.

Be careful not to push yourself too hard or too fast. While successful people know you have to stretch your talents to grow, they also know it’s important to set reasonable goals. Always be your own best friend. Never set yourself up for failure.

The first step to success is knowing where you want to go. The second step is having a plan to get there. Your goals are your road map. Follow them and you’ll be well on your way.