Tips for creating individual goals before the season starts

Most teams will set objectives at the start of the season, but the most effective environments also give every player a personal target to work towards.

 

Individual goals provide direction, increase motivation and importantly, give players ownership of their own development.

 

The key is to make goals specific, realistic and relevant to each player’s current stage of development. A young centre-back might aim to improve her weaker foot, while an experienced striker may focus on making more penetrative runs rather than simply scoring more goals. The best goals are within the player’s control.

 

A simple framework is to ask each player three questions during pre-season:

• What is one technical skill you want to improve?
• What is one tactical or game understanding target?
• What is one personal or psychological goal?

For example, a winger’s targets could be to improve first-touch quality, make five forward runs behind the defence each game, and communicate positively with team-mates throughout matches.

 

Once goals are agreed, write them down. A short player profile or development card can help keep them visible throughout the season.

 

Importantly, avoid making every goal statistics-based. Goals such as “score 20 goals” or “keep 15 clean sheets” often depend on factors outside an individual’s control. Instead, focus on behaviours that lead to success, such as scanning before receiving, looking to play forward when possible, or counting to three after a mistake and forgetting it.

 

There can also be a focus on supporting these goals, through regular attendance at training for example, or having monthly meetings with the team’s psychologist.

 

Review progress regularly rather than waiting until the end of the season. A five-minute conversation every four to six weeks can highlight improvements, identify challenges and, if necessary, adapt goals as players develop.

 

Finally, celebrate progress, not just achievement. Players who recognise their own improvement are more likely to stay motivated, resilient and engaged throughout the season.