Goals & Reflection

Know where you're going, then learn as you go - so every session and game makes you better.

💡 What is it?

This skill has two parts that work together. Goal setting is choosing clear targets for what you want to improve. Reflection is looking back afterwards to see how it went and what to learn.

The most important idea: focus on process goals - things you control, like effort, scanning, or talking - not just outcome goals like winning or scoring. You can't control the result, but you can always control your process.

⚡ Why it helps

It gives you direction. A clear target means you turn up to train with a purpose, not just to "play."
It makes progress visible. Tracking a goal lets you actually see yourself getting better - which is motivating.
It keeps you confident. Judging yourself on effort and learning (not the scoreboard) keeps belief steady on bad days.
Reflection speeds you up. Turning each game into one lesson means you improve far faster than just playing on.

🛠️ How to do it

Set a big season goal (where you want to be) and a small weekly goal (your focus right now).

Make goals process-based and specific: not "play better," but "take 2 scans before every pass."

After each session or game, reflect on three questions (see the example) - keep it short and honest.

Pick one thing to work on next time. Write it down. That becomes part of next week's focus.

👁 What it looks like

🎯 Example - your simple plan

Season goal: "Become more confident and brave on the ball."
This week's process goal: "Demand the ball at least 5 times each half."

After-game reflection (the 3 questions):

✅ What went well? "I scanned more and found space."
🤔 What was hard? "Talking to teammates under pressure."
➡️ One thing for next time? "Call for the ball earlier and louder."

🗓️ When to use it

🌱 Through the season

Set a fresh weekly process goal every Monday.
Do the 3-question reflection after every training and game.
Check your season goal monthly - are you moving toward it?

🎯 Before you perform

Remind yourself of your one process focus for today.
Repeat it as your job: "today I demand the ball."
Judge your game on that focus - not only the final score.