SMART targets

Measurable: make achievement clear

A measurable target provides a way to check whether it has been achieved. Depending on the sport, this might involve a time, distance, score or count.

For example, a sprinter could aim to reduce their 100 m time from 14.10 seconds to 14.00 seconds. A high jumper could aim to increase their personal best from 1.50 m to 1.55 m. These targets give a clear standard against which to compare performance.

Recording progress also helps the performer see whether training is working. A high jumper reaching 1.53 m has not yet met a 1.55 m target, but can see improvement towards it. This can build confidence and encourage continued effort.

Accepted: gain agreement and commitment

An accepted target is agreed by the performer and those involved in their training, such as their coach. The performer should understand the target and be willing to work towards it, rather than simply having it imposed on them.

Discussing the target allows the performer to raise concerns and helps them take ownership of their training. Agreement can strengthen commitment because the performer is working towards a goal they support.

Acceptance and realism are related, but different: accepted means agreed; realistic means achievable in the circumstances. A performer might agree enthusiastically to a target that is still too demanding.

Realistic: challenge the performer without making success implausible

A realistic target should stretch the performer while remaining possible. Its suitability depends on their starting ability, the time available for training, access to facilities and circumstances such as injury.

For a sprinter currently running 100 m in 14.10 seconds, a target of 12.00 seconds within two weeks would demand a very large improvement in a short period. Repeatedly failing an unrealistic target could reduce motivation.

A smaller improvement may be more suitable, but it is not automatically realistic just because it is small. The performer and coach must consider whether the available training makes it achievable. A beginner training once a week needs different targets from an experienced performer training frequently.

Time-bound: set a deadline

A time-bound target states when it should be achieved: for example, within four weeks, by the next competition or over the next three matches.

A deadline helps the coach organise training and gives a clear point at which to review achievement. Without one, a performer could keep postponing the target without knowing whether progress is fast enough.

Applying all five principles together

Consider this target:

‘My coach and I agree that, by the end of the next four weeks, I will reduce my 100 m time from 14.10 seconds to 14.00 seconds.’

It is specific because it identifies 100 m sprint performance, measurable because recorded times can be compared with 14.00 seconds, accepted because the coach and performer agree, and time-bound because it has a four-week deadline. It would be realistic if the improvement is achievable given this sprinter's ability and training opportunities.

The target gives training a purpose and provides a standard for reviewing progress. If it is not achieved, the performer and coach can consider whether training needs changing or whether the target or deadline needs adjusting. SMART targets support improvement; they do not guarantee success.

Apply the principles

Check a sporting target for its skill or performance focus, measurable standard, agreement, suitability and deadline.

Accepted ≠ realistic: agreement does not prove that a target is achievable.

How SMART supports performance

Specific focus → relevant training. Measurement → progress checks. Agreement → commitment. Realistic challenge → maintained motivation. Deadline → planned training and review.