Goal setting is one of the most powerful tools in sports, but many young athletes (and their parents) approach it the wrong way. When done correctly, goals motivate, build confidence, and drive improvement. But when goals are unrealistic or poorly structured, they can lead to frustration and burnout.

So, what’s the right way to set goals in youth sports? Here’s how to help your athlete set goals that lead to long-term success and enjoyment.

1. Focus on Process Goals, Not Just Outcome Goals

Many athletes set outcome goals like:
🏆 “I want to win a championship.”
🏆 “I want to make the starting lineup.”
🏆 “I want to get recruited to play in college.”

While these are great aspirations, they aren’t fully in the athlete’s control. Instead, young athletes should focus on process goals—the small, daily actions that lead to success.

🎯 Examples of process goals:
✔️ “I will take 100 extra shots after practice each week.”
✔️ “I will improve my footwork by doing 10 minutes of agility drills daily.”
✔️ “I will focus on staying positive and encouraging my teammates.”

🔹 Pro tip: Help your athlete shift from “I want to win” to “I want to improve my skills every day.” Effort-based goals create results!

2. Set SMART Goals for Measurable Progress

Athletes need goals that are clear, achievable, and trackable. The best way to do this is by using the SMART goal framework:

✅ Specific – Define exactly what needs to be achieved.
✅ Measurable – Track progress with numbers or milestones.
✅ Achievable – Set a goal that challenges but doesn’t overwhelm.
✅ Relevant – Make sure it aligns with personal and team goals.
✅ Time-bound – Set a deadline for accountability.

🎯 Example of a SMART goal:
🚀 Instead of: “I want to get faster.”
✅ Try: “I will improve my 40-yard dash time by 0.3 seconds in the next 8 weeks by sprinting 3 times per week and working on my form.”

🔹 Pro tip: Encourage your athlete to write their goals down and track progress regularly.

3. Balance Short-Term & Long-Term Goals

Young athletes should set both short-term goals (weekly/monthly) and long-term goals (seasonal/yearly) to stay motivated.

🎯 Example of short-term goals:
✔️ “I will increase my free throw percentage by 5% this month.”
✔️ “I will improve my endurance by running an extra mile each week.”

🎯 Example of long-term goals:
✔️ “I want to make the varsity team next season.”
✔️ “I want to be a team captain in my senior year.”

🔹 Pro tip: Small wins add up! Help your athlete celebrate short-term progress to stay motivated for bigger goals.

4. Keep Goals Personal & Athlete-Driven

Parents and coaches should guide, but not dictate goals. Athletes are more committed when their goals come from their own passion and drive.

🏆 How to encourage athlete-driven goals:
✔️ Ask open-ended questions: “What do YOU want to improve?”
✔️ Support their ambitions, even if they differ from your expectations.
✔️ Allow them to adjust goals based on their own experiences and progress.

🔹 Pro tip: If a young athlete isn’t excited about a goal, it’s not the right goal for them.

5. Adjust & Reflect on Goals Regularly

Goals should be flexible and adaptable based on progress and challenges. If an athlete struggles with a goal, it doesn’t mean they failed—it means they need to adjust the plan.

🏆 How to reflect & adjust goals:
✔️ Check in weekly or monthly to assess progress.
✔️ Ask: “What’s working? What needs to change?”
✔️ Allow room for growth, setbacks, and new priorities.

🔹 Pro tip: A setback isn’t failure—it’s an opportunity to learn and reset the goal with a better plan.

Final Thoughts

Setting the right goals in youth sports helps athletes build confidence, improve skills, and stay motivated. By focusing on process over results, making goals SMART, and keeping them personal, young athletes set themselves up for long-term success—on and off the field.

✅ Prioritize effort-based goals over outcome-based ones.
✅ Set SMART goals that are measurable and realistic.
✅ Balance short-term and long-term goals for steady progress.