Goal Setting and SMART Targets

Goal Setting

Learning Objectives (LO)

  • To understand the difference between outcome goals & performance goals

  • To understand SMART target setting

Success Criteria

  • Bronze (C): Identify the difference between outcome goals and performance goals, as well as SMART targets.

  • Silver (B): Explain the difference between outcome goals and performance goals and how SMART target setting applies.

  • Gold (A): Provide sporting examples of the distinction between performance and outcome goals, and illustrate how SMART target setting can be utilized.

Skill Continuums

Starter Activity

  • Draw and categorize the following skills on the respective continuums:   - Open & Closed Skill Continuum:     - Rugby Tackle: Open Skill     - Somersault in Gymnastics: Closed Skill   - Self-paced & Externally paced Skill Continuum:     - Long Jump: Self-paced Skill     - Marking an Opponent in Netball: Externally paced Skill   - Gross & Fine Skill Continuum:     - Kicking a Football: Gross Skill     - Net Shot in Badminton: Fine Skill   - Basic & Complex Skill Continuum:     - Throwing a Football: Basic Skill     - Gymnastics Floor Routine: Complex Skill

Understanding Outcome Goals and Performance Goals

Learning Objective (LO)

  • To understand the difference between outcome goals & performance goals.

Tasks

  • Discuss and write down three words that describe each of the following terms:   - Performance Goals   - Outcome Goals
      - Extending the task: Can you come up with an example?

Definitions

  • Performance Goals:   - Personal goals based on individual achievements.   - These goals do not involve comparisons to others.   - Example: Enhancing personal time in a race without focusing on competitors.

  • Outcome Goals:   - These goals are focused on achieving a specific end result and usually require comparison with other competitors.   - Example: Winning a race against other participants.

Evaluation of Goal Types

Tasks

  • Discuss which type of goal is considered better and why.   - Considerations:
        - For elite competitors, outcome goals may provide a more significant motivating factor.     - For beginners, performance goals may be more beneficial as they focus on self-improvement.

SMART Target Setting

Learning Objective (LO)

  • To understand SMART target setting.

Task

  • Fill in the acronym for SMART:   - S: Specific
      - M: Measurable
      - A: Accepted
      - R: Realistic
      - T: Time-bound

Why Set SMART Targets?

  • Coaches may set these targets to ensure focused and tangible goals that facilitate improving performance.

Practical Applications of SMART Targets

Example Scenario 1

  1. Anna's SMART Target: Anna is a young athlete and member of her local athletics club.   - S: Specific – Target is clearly defined as finishing a specific race within a specified time.   - M: Measurable – Time of 2 hours, 15 minutes is a quantifiable metric.   - T: Time-bound – The target is to be achieved in the upcoming half marathon.

Example Scenario 2

  1. Anna's Target Justification:

  • Target: ‘Finish in under 2 hours, 15 minutes.’

  • Justification as a SMART target:   - Specific to the race/event (1 mark).   - Measurable as it is a time (1 mark).   - Accepted by Anna (1 mark).     - Full acceptance would ideally include coach acceptance (considered if applicable).   - Realistic given her previous best (1 mark): 2 hours, 20 minutes gives a reasonable expectation.   - Time phased, as it pertains to the marathon completion (1 mark).   - Accept any other suitable reasoning for why the target is SMART.

Example Scenario 3

  1. Performance and Outcome Goals Table:

  • Complete beginner playing badminton:   - Performance Goal: To hit the shuttlecock more consistently than in the last game.   - Outcome Goal: To score a point (or goal).

  • Elite level javelin thrower at the Olympic Games:   - Performance Goal: To exceed their personal best throw.   - Outcome Goal: To win a gold medal.

Recap of Goal Setting Concepts

Learning Objective (LO)

  • To understand the difference between outcome goals & performance goals and to grasp SMART target setting.

Success Criteria

  • Bronze (C): Identify definitions of skill and ability.

  • Silver (B): Identify the different skill continuums.

  • Gold (A): Explain the different skill continuums thoroughly.


Exam Questions and Mark Scheme

  1. Question 1: Define performance goals and outcome goals. Provide one example for each. (6 marks)    - Marking Scheme:
         - 2 marks for defining performance goals.
         - 2 marks for defining outcome goals.
         - 1 mark for an example of a performance goal.
         - 1 mark for an example of an outcome goal.

  2. Question 2: Explain the concept of SMART target setting. What does each letter in SMART stand for? (5 marks)    - Marking Scheme:
         - 1 mark for stating each letter: Specific, Measurable, Accepted, Realistic, Time-bound (total of 5 marks).

  3. Question 3: Discuss the advantages of setting performance goals compared to outcome goals for beginner athletes. (4 marks)    - Marking Scheme:
         - 1 mark for mentioning focus on self-improvement.
         - 1 mark for discussing reduced pressure.
         - 1 mark for promoting skill development.
         - 1 mark for overall positive mindset benefits.

  4. Question 4: Create two SMART targets for a 15-year-old swimmer aiming to improve their time in a 100m freestyle event. Justify why they meet the SMART criteria. (6 marks)    - Marking Scheme:
         - 1 mark for each individual element (5 elements total) = 5 marks.
         - 1 mark for overall justification/clarity of targets being SMART.

  5. Question 5: Compare and contrast how goal-setting might differ for elite athletes versus beginners. Provide specific examples. (5 marks)    - Marking Scheme:
         - 2 marks for comparing goal types (performance vs outcome).
         - 1 mark for discussing motivation differences.
         - 2 marks for providing specific examples for both groups.