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Psychological Pointers, Tactical Pointers
End-of-Season Goal Evaluation
Sonja Benčina
May 3, 2024
As difficult as it is for the shooting athletes to identify when exactly it is that one season ends and another begins, we are nearing the end of school year, which, for a lot of shooters, signifies a cycle. The long vacations ahead are the opportunity for you to rest but before you do so, it is time to reflect on your progress, successes, and areas for improvement. End-of-season goal evaluation is an invaluable tool for every coach and shooter, whether you’re a seasoned competitor or making your first steps in Olympic-style shooting. In this Practical Pointer, team Aiming Art will explore the importance of evaluating your goals and performance, and how to effectively assess your achievements in sport shooting.
Setting Goals
At the beginning of the season, setting clear, measurable goals is key to guiding your training and performance. Whether it’s improving your hold, increasing consistency, or mastering a new technique, your goals should be specific, achievable, and relevant to your overall shooting objectives. For more on setting goals in sports shooting, read this Practical Pointer.
Tracking Progress
Throughout the season, keep track of your progress towards your goals. By regularly monitoring your performance, you’ll gain valuable insights into what’s working well and where adjustments may be needed. Shooting Notes are an excellent tool to record your scores, analyse shooting patterns, and note any challenges or setbacks you encounter. With specifically designed ready-made forms, they guide the way you write your shooting analysis, shaping your thought process and mental game as you do so.
End-of-Season Evaluation
As the season comes to an end, dedicate time to evaluating your goals and performance. Start by reviewing your initial short- and medium-term goals and assessing how well you’ve met them. Did you achieve the level of improvement you aimed for? What factors contributed to your successes or setbacks?
Celebrate Successes
Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how big or small! Bear in mind that although results are often the only thing that get celebrated, success can be found in any area that you improved: from coming to practice on time to reaching a personal best score, mastering your nerves at a critical time, or overcoming a particular personal challenge. Take pride in your achievements. Recognizing your successes boosts confidence and motivation for future endeavours.
Identify Areas for Improvement
Equally important is identifying areas where you fell short of your goals or encountered difficulties. Reflect on the reasons behind these challenges. Was it a technical issue, mental barrier, or external factor? Understanding the root causes will help you develop targeted strategies for improvement. Remember: You are not a passive participant on your shooting path. When you identify an area for improvement, you take active steps to find the solutions.
Adjusting Goals for the Next Season
Based on your end-of-season goal evaluation, adjust and refine your medium- and long- term goals and think of any potential goals for the next season. Set new objectives that build upon your successes and address areas needing improvement. Be sure to make your goals challenging yet realistic, providing direction and motivation for continued growth.
Before you wrap the season up and take an active rest, end-of-season goal evaluation is a vital step in the journey of every sport shooter. By setting clear goals, tracking progress, and reflecting on your performance, you’ll gain valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. Use this information to refine your training during various periods, elevate your skills, and strive for excellence in the seasons to come. Remember that the journey of mastery is ongoing, and each season brings new opportunities for growth and achievement. Aim high!t and refine your medium- and long- term goals and think of any potential goals for the next season. Set new objectives that build upon your successes and address areas needing improvement. Be sure to make your goals challenging yet realistic, providing direction and motivation for continued growth.
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