Goal setting can be an effective method of enhancing athletes’ performance and helping them build new skills. This strategy would be appropriate for training a child of 10 years old who would like to acquire skills in a specific kind of sport, for example, football. The outcome goal, which is the desired result of the training, is joining the school football team. Since the child of this age does not specialize in this sport yet, the performance goals can be aimed at increasing the general physical abilities, for example, improving short-distance run results. Finally, process goal setting may include mastering special techniques used in football. According to achievement goal theory, it is necessary to provide a child with professional guidance and create a motivational climate; these factors influence the child’s spirit and confidence (Williams and Krane 365). Variable practice, namely, frequent change of sports activities and exercises, may help prepare the child for acquiring new skills. Finally, fixed practice, such as exercising in delivery, may contribute to better remembering. Combined together, goal setting and training may help a child acquire and develop new skills.
There are several guidelines that aim to help an athlete in an effective goal setting. In my opinion, the advice to “set moderately difficult but realistic goals” is one of the most important since it defines the outcomes of task performance (Williams and Krane 194). If the individual sets unachievable goals, failure may lead to frustration and disappointment. Moreover, it is necessary to mention that an optimistic attitude is one of the decisive factors of success. Therefore, the athletes are advised to set positive rather than negative goals. Indeed, the positive statement of the goal reflects the successful outcome and prevents an individual from focusing on failure. In sport, it may influence the athlete’s spirit and inspire for hard and productive work, which is especially important in achieving goals.
Goal setting can be used as a method to reduce individual’s anxiety. According to the cognitive theory, understanding the personal goals and desired results increases the athlete’s confidence and positively influences motivation (Williams and Krane 365). Performance goals are especially significant because they are flexible and can be controlled by an individual (Williams and Krane 189). Therefore, I would recommend athletes with anxiety or lack of motivation to set realistic goals to increase confidence and enhance performance.
Work Cited
Williams, Jean M., and Vikki Krane. Applied Sport Psychology: Personal Growth to Peak Performance. 7th ed. Mc Graw Hill Education, 2015.