The Badge Archive

Coach Free Goal Setting

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Junior Practice with Purpose badge requirements.

Info Needed for Badge Requirements:
Athletes don’t reach their goals on their own. They rely on knowledgeable coaches for support and advice. A scout can improve their skills by working with a coach to set a personal goal. When they understand where they’re starting, they can take the right steps toward progress. If no professional is available, they can research professional advice, then reflect, observe, and brainstorm options with guidance from troop leaders and peers.

Items Needed:

  • Pens or pencils
  • One printed copy of the handout “Goal Setting for Young Athletes – Based on the article by Eli Straw”
  • Goal Planning Worksheet (can be hand-drawn or printed) for each scout
  • Hard writing surfaces (tables, clipboards, or books)
  • Optional: physical activity examples (e.g., stretches, warm-ups, sports drills) for brainstorm reference

Instructions (Total Estimated Time: 20 minutes):

  1. Read and Discuss the Handout (5 minutes)
    • Scouts read the handout individually or follow along as the leader reads it aloud.
    • Brief group discussion follows: What are process goals vs. outcome goals? Why are process goals important?
  2. Pick a Goal to Train For (5–6 minutes)
    • Scouts choose one personal goal related to movement, fitness, or sport.
    • They decide if their goal is a process goal or an outcome goal, and write it on their paper.
  3. Plan One Way to Practice (5–6 minutes)
    • Scouts write down one way they could work toward their goal during the week.
    • Leaders may suggest ideas if scouts need help (e.g., “Practice shooting free throws for 10 minutes,” “Try stretching before dance class,” or “Go for a walk every other day”).
  4. Share and Support (3–4 minutes)
    • Scouts pair up or form a small group to share their goals and practice plans.
    • Scouts offer encouragement or tips to each other based on what they learned in the handout.

Leader Guidance Note:
Even without coaching experience, troop leaders can guide scouts by helping them:

  • Understand the difference between small actions and big goals
  • Stay positive and realistic when planning goals
  • Encourage effort and consistency over perfection
  • Use safe and age-appropriate suggestions for staying active

Refer back to the handout when needed. It’s written in clear, scout-friendly language and helps leaders reinforce the basics of goal setting without needing expert advice.

Goal Setting for Young Athletes

Based on the article by Eli Straw

Why Set Goals?
Setting goals helps athletes stay motivated, focused, and confident. Goals give you something to work toward and help you improve step by step.

Types of Goals:

  • Outcome Goals
    These are big-picture goals like winning a race or making a team. They’re exciting but not always in your control.
    Example: “I want to swim in the Olympics someday.”
  • Process Goals
    These are small actions you can control that help you reach your outcome goal.
    Example: “I will practice my swim strokes for 30 minutes every day.”

Why Process Goals Matter:
Process goals are like puzzle pieces. Each one helps build the full picture of your success. They reduce pressure and help you focus on what you can do today.

How to Set a Goal:

  1. Pick something you want to improve or achieve.
  2. Break it into smaller steps you can practice.
  3. Choose one step to focus on this week.
  4. Track your progress and celebrate small wins.

Example:

  • Outcome Goal: “Make the soccer team.”
  • Process Goal: “Practice passing drills three times this week.”

Remember:
You don’t need a coach to start working toward your goal. You just need a plan and the commitment to stick with it.

Reference:
Straw, Eli. “Goal Setting for Young Athletes.” Success Starts Within, 3 Mar. 2024, https://www.successstartswithin.com/sports-psychology-articles/sports-psychology-for-kids/goal-setting-for-young-athletes. Accessed 6 July, 2025.

Goal Planning Worksheet

Name: ___________________________________
Date: ___________________________________

Step 1: What activity or sport do I want to focus on?
Write one you enjoy or want to get better at.

Step 2: What is my goal?
Pick one skill, achievement, or milestone to work toward.
Examples: “Run half a mile without stopping,” “Learn how to do a cartwheel,” “Improve my jump rope timing.”

Step 3: Is this a process goal or an outcome goal?
Circle one:
☐ Process Goal (small step I can practice)
☐ Outcome Goal (a big result I want later)

Step 4: What’s one way I can practice this week?
Choose a small, specific action you can do.
Example: “Stretch every morning,” “Practice kicking for 10 minutes,” “Bike with family twice this week.”

Step 5: How will I know I’m improving?
Think about what to look for, like feeling stronger, lasting longer, or being more confident.

Tia Kennard