Goal Setting

Individuals and teams progress the most when they challenge themselves with goals.  To be worthwhile, goals must challenge teams and yet also be manageable.

I like the acronym SMART.

S  stands for specific. For a developmental or rebuilding team, that might mean finishing in the top half of a league or making the playoffs.

M means measurable. Although process goals are critical, outcome goals like improving attack efficiency or increasing digs or blocks could apply in volleyball.

A equals attainable.  If you were working on your vertical jump and wanted to increase it, expecting twelve inches would not be attainable.

R encompasses realistic. Even a superior team has limits. On an espn.go.com poll, almost forty percent of Patriots fans thought the team could go 16-0. Not realistic.

T includes timely. If you wanted to lose weight or improve your fitness in some fashion, expecting overnight success means failure. A thoughtful plan that allows for execution matters.

Goals shouldn't be set by 'outsiders'. Coaches and teams have ownership for THEIR goals, not media, fans, or even families. A shopworn sports saying goes, "the star of the team is the team."  A boat goes fastest, straightest, and farthest when everyone has their oars in the water pulling together.

Maxpreps.com has valuable information including schedules, statistics, and recent team history.