Goal Setting

[paintspot23]

Since I was young I have set meny goals.
Many I have not achieved as from the start i new it was nearly impossible to get to the point of finnishing the goal.

Many people set goals for thier sports. But how do they go about completing their goals. I know of a few methods that family and coaches have talked to me about, like practise and more practise. How is all this practise going to be used in the most effective way to achieve the goals that are set??? And how would I make practise more efficient so that I am reaking the scores I wish to achieve?

[The One]

Goal setting should be done using the SMART method:

Specific
Measured
Attainable(?)
Realistic
Time-oriented

Realistic is the most important on that list for me. However, in order to successfully complete these goals, you need to practise using these methods. Don't practise for the hell of it - each training session needs a goal (for example - this session, I'm going to focus on keeping my bow arm up...). The best way to advance in the sport is to get a coach. Practice is best done when you're doing it right, and to get a coach early ensures that your form will be technically on the right tracks. A lot better than training bad habits into your subconscious over a number of years.

[Kuru]

Goal setting should be done using the SMART method:

Specific
Measured
Attainable(?)
Realistic
Time-oriented

Realistic is the most important on that list for me. However, in order to successfully complete these goals, you need to practise using these methods. Don't practise for the hell of it - each training session needs a goal (for example - this session, I'm going to focus on keeping my bow arm up...). The best way to advance in the sport is to get a coach. Practice is best done when you're doing it right, and to get a coach early ensures that your form will be technically on the right tracks. A lot better than training bad habits into your subconscious over a number of years.

Yup what he/she said :D

[Marcus]

I have goals but I do not set time restraints on them. I have the rest of my life to complete those tasks and since I stopped trying to do them tomorrow have also stopped spinning my wheels. Some goals are time restrained by force, however I do not put too much importance on achieving those. I also do not let outside factors decide if I succeeded or failed. For example if I wanted to shoot 1350 this year but did not shoot in good conditions then I would not consider it a failure.
Anyway that would not be a goal, my only goals are to improve my technique, my execution and my handling of nerves. As they improve let the chips fall where they may.

[The One]

I have goals but I do not set time restraints on them. I have the rest of my life to complete those tasks and since I stopped trying to do them tomorrow have also stopped spinning my wheels. Some goals are time restrained by force, however I do not put too much importance on achieving those. I also do not let outside factors decide if I succeeded or failed. For example if I wanted to shoot 1350 this year but did not shoot in good conditions then I would not consider it a failure.
Anyway that would not be a goal, my only goals are to improve my technique, my execution and my handling of nerves. As they improve let the chips fall where they may.

I agree, a good outlook. I included time, because that was part of the acronym, and may help some people achieve their goals if they go about it the right way.

I'm wary about setting score goals, but my coach doesn't think it too bad, as it is measurable.

[Kuru]

Interesting where do you draw the line between "baby steps" IE a small amount at a time and those BIG steps, ie 1300, 1350, 1400. Obvously 1400 being a goal in so many minds, just ask hasbeen 2dogs :lol: but how does one set a realistic goal where it dosn't bring negative thoughts into it ?

[Marcus]

Score based goals involve too much time traveling. Best off looking at the score you want, say 1300, and then working out what you need to do to achieve it.
For me to shoot 1350 I know I need to do the following
Stay calm and focused
Put everything into every shot
Not take shortcuts during the shots process
Keep my gear setup correctly
Not make mistakes, particulary at 90m

So my goal is to do the above. If I meet those goals I know I most likely will shoot 1350 or higher. However if I just aim to shoot 1350 then chances are I will forget a few of the above and thus miss my score goal.

[Kuru]

[quote="Marcus"]
Not make mistakes, particulary at 90m
quote]

Ok So what if you do make mistakes at 90m, where to from there ? I think it would be very easy to get into danger if you over thought every distance, every end, every arrow

[Marcus]

I don't panic if I make a mistake. I have a desktop picture at home where I shot a 53 with a 5 at 90m in windy conditions at a ranking round. It reminds me that even with a bad arrow, stay cool and put the rest in the 10.
Lets say I open up with a 6, I glass it and say "OK 56 with a 6 coming up" with that outlook I have managed to save many bad starts.

Fact is that over 144 arrows we will make mistakes, we will lose concentration etc. However the key is to stay positive and keep at it. Sometimes I walk away from an awful FITA but happy because I cleaned half of 30m or shot a killer 50m or simply ended with 3 in the X.

[apexrob]

Yeah , i've seen alot of archers in the past shoot a few bad arrows in tournament and just through their whole game away . One of the key's to shooting high scores consistantly is shooting arrow for arrow . If you have a bad arrow , who cares its gone their is nothing you can do about it , think about why this happened , think about your shot routine( broken down steps you make for each shot) and put the next one in the middle . :)