108 GOAL SETTING FOR THE ATHLETE

Setting goals and reaching them is a challenge with many rewards. Athletes who learn to set goals at an early age are helping to prepare for life itself. We live in a competitive society, whether we, like it or not. Keep the goals simple and well within range. Athletes should set their own goals with the guidance from their parents.

LOWER LEVEL
Athletes in this age group should want to establish the ground work for becoming a team player. To grasp the "team spirit" will allow athletes to take solace in knowing a team effort is needed to win. Many athletes fail to learn the value of being a team player and the joy of competing in a team sport is lost. Goals related to specific skill development are ideal for this age group.

MIDDLE LEVEL
When the athletes reach the age of eleven or twelve year olds, certain traits showing ability, start to surface. Mostly through the physical developments process. Goal setting can take on a more structured approach, depending on one's ability to make a commitment and stick to it. It is possible to develop techniques that will improve the athletes' performance by increasing the level of intensity of practice sessions.

The goal could be to play at a higher level of competition. There are factors that are out of the control of the athlete at this level that could affect the time that it takes to reach such a goal. The athlete who is big and strong for his age, may have an advantage when he is in this age group, simply, by his advanced physical development. His rapid growth could allow him to enjoy success without working on skill development. As the years pass, other athletes start to develop and he may find himself being left behind by more skilled athletes. On the other hand, a player may grow quickly causing his centre of gravity to change, throwing his balance off. Going through a growth spurt can cause the small muscles in his hands and feet to fall behind in the natural development process. This type of player may have hidden talent, and must be patient through this part of the development stage. When setting goals for the "Middle Level" it is important to understand the athlete's own physical development process.

UPPER LEVEL
Setting goals for this age group will depend on the level of competition they wish to reach. Sometime between the ages of fourteen and sixteen years old the athlete must decide if he or she is going to be content with playing at the recreational level or if they want to get more out of the game. Athletes who want to climb the ladder of success, planning on how to reach their goals could make the difference between success and failure. Knowing what skills are required to reach the higher level of competition will help in setting goals. Before setting goals that may not be realistic, athletes should have someone with experience, give them an honest evaluation of their talent.

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