The AS&K Sports MSD

The 10 Mental Skills: GOAL SETTING

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INTERPRETING THE GOAL SETTING SCORE ON THE MSA

An athlete who scores well on the Goal Setting section of the MSA sets specific goals, which are easy to track and measure on a continual basis (e.g., daily or weekly). He/She sets moderately challenging goals and knows they will require a moderate amount of work and a reasonable amount of time to achieve. As a result of setting these types of goals, the athlete sees real and valued progress in improving skills and performance.

WHAT CAN INFLUENCE THE GOAL SETTING SCORE?

Goal setting is enhanced by a Mastery Approach and Task Confidence. Effective Goal Setting increases level of Effort. Goal Setting is diminished by low scores on Personal Control.

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TIPS FOR ATHLETES

How well do you set goals? Is your MSA score high or low? What are your Goal Setting BITEs?

1. Make sure your goals have short-term sub-goals and especially be sure your longer term goals have short term sub-goals. For example, if your long-term goal (three months) is to improve your batting average 30 points, short-term sub-goals might be to improve by 10 points in one month, or improve by 50% making solid contact on breaking pitches, or hitting more pitches first pitches to center field.
2. A challenging goal is one that represents a genuine increase in your skill and performance and requires sustained effort and practice. You should be confident that will sufficient practice you will achieve your goals.

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TIPS FOR COACHES

What are your athletes' goal setting BITEs? Are your athletes' goals specific, measurable and time limited?

1. Help athletes establish short-term sub-goals and longer term goals that are properly aligned and represent a logical and achievable progression of skill and performance.
2. Review your athletes’ goals and make adjustments to improve them but be careful to include them in any decisions to adjust them.

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TIPS FOR PARENTS

How well does your athlete set goals? Is his or her Goal Setting MSA score high or low? What are your athlete’s Goal Setting BITEs?

1. Recognize and even reward your athlete for meeting his or her short-term sub-goals. Recognition is a surprisingly strong “reward” that a parent can provide.
2. Help your athlete focus on short-term goals and their alignment with longer term goal(s) by discussing them and ensuring he/she understands and believes in his or her short and long-term goals.