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 copy of the “Goal Setting for Young Athletes – Based on the article by Eli Straw” handout
- Goal Planning Worksheet (can be hand-drawn or printed)
- Paper or journal
- Pen or pencil
- Optional: internet access to read the full article or find safe activity ideas
Instructions (Total Estimated Time: 20 minutes):
- Read the Goal Setting Handout (5 minutes)
- Read through the summary of “Goal Setting for Young Athletes” by Eli Straw.
- Highlight one thing that surprised or inspired you about how athletes set goals.
- Choose Your Activity (4–5 minutes)
- Write down one sport or physical activity you want to get better at.
- Examples: jumping rope, biking, basketball, yoga, hiking, dance, etc.
- Set Your Personal Goal (5 minutes)
- Decide what you want to improve and write down your goal.
- Label it as either a process goal (action-based) or outcome goal (result-based).
- Example: “I want to stretch for 5 minutes every morning” is a process goal.
- Make a Practice Plan (4–5 minutes)
- Write one small action you can take this week to move closer to your goal.
- If needed, look up beginner tips or exercises online using safe sources.
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:
- Pick something you want to improve or achieve.
- Break it into smaller steps you can practice.
- Choose one step to focus on this week.
- 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.
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