You’ve decided to invest in private lessons – GREAT!
To make sure that you’re getting the absolute most of your training it’s time to set some goals.
The three most important things to remember when setting your goals is to make sure that they are:
Realistic
Measurable
Controllable
Here are some example goals for you to see what I mean:
I’m not able to cartwheel yet but I want to be able to layout full twist at the end of the month.
Is this impossible? No, but it’s not very realistic for most athletes. A better goal would be:
I will work on improving my cartwheels every week until I can do one with straight legs, pointed toes, and land in a straight line.
It’s realistic (they are already working on cartwheels), it’s measurable (they can see if their body is doing the movements correctly), and it’s controllable (they are committing to a plan).
I want to be a better tumbler.
This is a nice goal but it’s a very vague and not at all measurable. Remember you have to be able to see progress. This goal is much more specific and will definitely help the athlete become a better tumbler:
I’m going to get better at handstands by practicing every morning before school until I can hold one for 10 seconds.
It’s realistic, it’s measurable (they will know they have achieved the goal when they can hold a handstand for 10 seconds), and it’s controllable (they are going to handstand every morning).
I am going to be point jumper/flyer/dancer next year.
On the surface this seems like a great goal, but it’s not controllable. You never know who is going to be on your team or where the choreographer will put you in the formation. These things are out of your control, and you shouldn’t worry about them. A more actionable goal would be:
I’m going to stretch twice a week so I can get all the way down in my left leg split.
It’s realistic (provided the athlete is close to the skill), measurable (they will know when they are all the way down) and it’s controllable (they are committing to stretch twice a week).
I hope you’ve found the above guide helpful and are ready to set some training goals of your own.
If you are, please make sure to download the Goal Setting Worksheet HERE and email it back the day before your first lesson.
x Coach Mel