Goal setting in sports performance: Practice Questions

Which element of the SMART principle of goal setting ensures that a performer can see clear evidence of their progress through data, such as a time or a percentage?

A coach sets a goal for a netball player to "improve goal-shooting percentage from 70% to 75% by the end of the 6-week regional tournament." Which specific elements of the SMART principle are most clearly demonstrated in this goal setting?

A coach is designing a long-term training programme for a marathon runner. They set a SMART goal: "Improve your 10km split time by 2% during every regional qualifying race over the next six months to ensure a top-5 national ranking."

Which combination of SMART principles is most effectively integrated to improve the athlete's self-efficacy through performance accomplishments?

Which of the following best explains why goal setting is effective in controlling a performer's arousal and anxiety before a major competition?

A gymnastics coach sets a goal for an athlete to "perform a perfect back handspring on the beam during the regional finals in 4 weeks." Evaluated against the SMART principle, which element of this goal is most likely to be criticized for potentially undermining the athlete's self-efficacy if they fail?

Apply the SMART principle to create an effective performance goal for a high jumper who currently has a personal best of \(1.85m\) and wants to improve over the next six months.

A high-performance swimmer is struggling to maintain focus during the mid-season. Their coach decides to implement a goal setting programme using the SMART principle.

(a) Identify what each letter in the SMART acronym represents in the context of sports performance.
(b) Discuss two ways that effective goal setting can reduce a performer’s cognitive anxiety and improve their self-efficacy.