Pre-comp Coach’s Corner – January 2012
The Importance of Setting Goals
With spring meet season just around the corner, this is an ideal time to start thinking about what we want to accomplish next 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 Coach Patrick and 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 but what did Michael Phelps say when he was 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 GOALS DOWN
Putting your goals in writing is powerful. The process of physically seeing your goals helps you commit to them.
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.
4. COMMUNICATE YOUR GOALS TO YOUR COACHES AND PARENTS
Whether in swimming, school, or another sport, 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. Coach Patrick and I are more than happy to help you set, persevere, and accomplish all of your goals!
–Coach Bob
