Pre-Comp Coaches Corner – October 2014
The Importance of Setting Goals
With Fall League Season in full swing, this is an ideal time to start thinking about what we want to accomplish for this season and what we need to do in order to achieve it. Setting challenging yet achievable goals are essential to getting the most out of practices and keeping you on the path of improvement.
Just as I have goals for every set, practice, and season, you swimmers should set goals as well. Every goal gives us something to shoot for and helps maximize all the time we spend in the water.
It’s all well and good to say we want to be the next Michael Phelps or Missy Franklin but what did Michael or Missy say when they were setting goals?
Here are 4 quick reminders about Setting Goals . . .
1. MAKE GOALS SHORT, ATTAINABLE, AND MEASURABLE
Set short attainable goals that can be measured. This means setting quantifiable goals.
These are just a few examples:
- Holding a tight streamline off every wall
- Breathe every 3 strokes on Freestyle
- Maintain 3-5 dolphin kicks off every wall
2. WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN
Putting your goals in writing is powerful. The process of physically seeing your goals helps you commit to them. It then becomes something concrete you can return to again and again to check on your personal progress. Post them on your wall. Hang them on the fridge. Place a copy in your swim bag so you can refer to them on a frequent basis.
3. SET DEADLINES
Without deadlines, our goals are merely dreams. Setting deadlines for both short-term AND long-term goals will help you achieve them more consistently. For instance, do I want to accomplish this at the next meet? Before next season starts? When I get to High School?
4. COMMUNICATE YOUR GOALS TO YOUR COACHES AND PARENTS
Whether in the pool, at school, or on any sports field or court, having someone who knows about your goals can not only help you achieve them, it ensures that you remain accountable to what you set out to do. Coaches are more than happy to help you set, persevere, and accomplish all of your goals!
– Coach Patrick
