The Badge Archive

Coach Goal Guidance

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:

  • One guest speaker:
    • A visiting coach or adult with experience in the sport scouts are focusing on
    • A visiting trainer or adult with experience in fitness, conditioning, or general athletics
    • A visiting physical education or gym teacher
    • Guest athlete or older scout working toward a coaching badge
  • Goal Planning Worksheet (can be hand-drawn or printed) for each scout
  • Pens or pencils
  • Hard writing surfaces (tables, clipboards, or books)

Instructions (Total Estimated Time: 25-30 minutes):

  1. Prepare for the Goal Session (2–3 minutes)
    • Before the activity starts, briefly explain to the coach that scouts will be setting individual sports goals.
    • If scouts are focused on very different sports, consider inviting a coach with a broader background (e.g., physical education or general fitness).
  2. Meet the Coach and Discuss Badge Goals (5 minutes)
    • Scouts introduce themselves and describe what sport they’re focusing on.
  3. Set Personal Goals with Guidance (10–15 minutes)
    • Each scout meets briefly (1 minute or less) with the coach to describe where they are in their sport.
    • The coach gives each scout one goal or suggestion for improvement.
    • Scouts write down their goal and any advice given.
  4. Wrap Up and Thank the Guest (2–3 minutes)
    • Invite the coach to stay if the next activity relates to their area of experience.
    • If not, thank them for helping scouts take their first steps toward practicing with purpose.

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