SOCCER: PERSONAL SMART GOAL SETTING ASSIGNMENT (15%)
This assignment is due on LEA. It will be penalized if handed in late. Please answer using blue font.
Name:____________
For this assignment, you will be asked to analyze your strengths and weaknesses and to set a plan of
action to improve your skills in soccer.
PART-1 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
1. Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses by completing the current rating of the skills evaluation
form below.
1= very poor 2= poor 3=good 4= very good 5= outstanding
Rating (1-5)
Technical skills End of
Current
term
Running with the ball (speed dribbling)
Dribbling
Dribbling to beat an opponent
Accurate passing inside of foot
Accurate passing outside of foot
Passing
Ability to use weaker foot
Instep Passing (long distance)
Receiving with inside of foot
Receiving with instep
Trapping/Receiving Receiving with thigh
Receiving with chest
1st Touch
Low Drive (Instep drive)
Shooting
Volley Shot
Rating (1-5)
Tactical skills End of
Current
term
I have good knowledge of the rules.
I have good knowledge of strategies.
I know my position and its corresponding roles.
I play my position effectively.
I kick and pass the ball to a target.
I communicate verbally pertinent information to teammates.
I get open and create space on the field by constantly moving with changes of speed
and direction.
I pass and move (give and go).
I support my teammates by giving passing options.
I transition between offense and defense quickly.
I shield the ball effectively.
I defend my player without fouling.
I pressure, cover and balance effectively.
I cover my player on defense.
I make smart and safe decisions on the field.
I can determine the opponent’s weak spots.
3. What is the technical skill that you need to work on the most to improve in soccer and why? Give
some (2) specific examples taken from our classes. Make sure to link this with your goal.
4. What tactic do you need to work on the most to make the most impact in improving the team’s
game and success? Explain using examples (2). Make sure to link this with your goal.
PART-2 SMART GOALS
Develop one technical SMART goal to improve your technical component (dribbling, passing,
receiving/trapping, shooting) and one tactical SMART goal to improve your tactics in soccer (offensive
and defensive strategies = getting open, finding the open player, creating space, marking/providing
coverage, etc).
You must follow the format outlined in Annex 1. Carefully read what each of the 5 letters in the
SMART formula represents. Please use complete sentences and break your goal down in the
following way:
***Please re-read Annex 1 before continuing.
Technical goal:
Specific (Be sure to choose a goal that is appropriate to your skill level):
Measurable:
Actions (3 actions):
1.
2.
3.
Realistic (Elaborate why this is the right goal for you. 100-150 words):
Time:
Tactical goal:
Specific (Be sure to choose a goal that is appropriate to your skill level):
Measurable:
Actions (3 actions):
1.
2.
3.
Realistic (Elaborate why this is the right goal for you. 100-150 words):
Time:
Personal Practice Drills:
Now that you have specific goals to work towards, research 2 drills that can help you practice the
technical skills and actions you have chosen. The first drill must be individual and the second may
include a partner. Describe and diagram these drills here and you will be given time to practice them
each class! They must address your technical goal and only be 3-4 minutes each. You want a drill
that will allow many repetitions of your skill and also allows you to work on the technical actions you
have chosen. You will have access to all the usual equipment.
Drill #1:
Drill #2:
Rubric (15%)
Satisfact Very
Criteria Poor Good Excellent
ory Good
Part 1:
Assessment of current skills is accurate
(corresponding to actual ability) and
complete. Student demonstrates critical
reflection skills on current strengths and
0 – 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5
weaknesses. Student uses specific examples
to support reflection.
Assessment of current skills (0.5pt)
Technical needing work (2pts)
Tactical needing work (2pts)
Technical goal:
Goal is Specific and corresponds to needs
and skill level. Student prioritizes skill area
that needs the most work. Appropriate
Measurement method and criteria was
chosen with proper reference to current
abilities. 3 relevant, technical and complete
Actions were listed to improve the given skill.
Current weaknesses and challenges are
4.5 –
accurately described to ensure that goal is 0–3 3.5 – 4 5.5 – 6 6.5
5
Realistic. Critical reflection and justifications
were given as rationale to explain why goal is
realistic. The Time chosen is a specific date,
realistic based on the complexity of goal.
Specific (1pts)
Measurable (0.5pts)
Actions (3pts)
Realistic (2pts)
Time
Tactical goal: 4.5 –
0–3 3.5 – 4 5.5 – 6 6.5
Same criteria as for technical goal. 5
Drills:
Drills are effective, clearly and thoroughly
explained, specific to goal and complex
enough. Diagram is present for each drill.
Drill and diagram 1 (1pt) 0-0.5 1 1 1.5 2
Drill and diagram 2 (1pt)
Total: /19.5
Annex 1: Guidelines for Creating your SMART Goals
Foreword: “If you aim at nothing, you usually hit it”. This is an old axiom that applies to setting goals.
Learning is the result of a dynamic process which takes place when you work to reach your goals.
S.M.A.R.T. goal setting for an effective learning environment should meet 5 criteria. The goals should
be: Specific, Measurable, Action Oriented, Realistic, and Time-bound.
1S.M.A.R.T. GOALS
Specific: What would you like to accomplish? What needs the most work?
A goal statement should clearly reflect what is to be accomplished. It should identify 1
distinct item.
Example: I will improve the speed and control of my stick handling.
Measurable: How will you objectively measure success?
A goal must be easily measured in order to know if it has been accomplished. It must
specify a level of performance (# of successful passes, % of times the opposition fails,
height of the ball from the ground, distance the ball travels, etc.). This process involves
recording and comparing results.
Example: In order to reach my goal I will successfully keep possession of the ball
while stick handling 70% of the time during the game. Currently I can only keep
control 30% of the time…
Action Oriented: What steps do you need to take? What are you capable of?
Goals need to be process oriented as opposed to outcome oriented. Outcomes are not
under an individual’s control (“I really have to win this point”, “I would like to be # 1 in
my group”.), processes are (Achieving a desired impact point, intensity level,
footwork…). Setting process goals gives a sense of control. Process goals give
information for improvement even if not achieved. Outcome goals set up for frustration
if not achieved and give no information for improvement even if attained. The actions
should be listed in the correct order they are performed. (e.g. preparation, execution
and then follow through)
Example:
1. I will keep my head up while stick handling.
2. I will take more touches on the ball keeping it within control.
3. I will accelerate with speed into open space.
Realistic: A goal must correspond to your learning capabilities.
Tasks that are too easy become boring. Tasks that are too difficult become
overwhelming. In order for goals to be realistic you must “know yourself”; be aware of
your physical capabilities and your emotional make-up; your strengths and limitations.
Explain why these actions are most appropriate for you and compare with what you
currently do?
Example: Currently, when I stick-handle, I look down which prevents me from... I
also tend to… This goal is realistic to me as I believe…
Time Bound: How long will it take to achieve your goal? Deadline.
Every goal statement should include a target date.
Example: I will reach my goal by….
Annex 2: THEMES FOR YOUR PERSONAL SMART GOALS
Theme 1: Movement with ball/Keeping possession (TECHNICAL GOAL IDEAS)
Passing to open player
- Head up to take info and aware of ball
- Pass to open player in most dangerous position (forward / side / back)
- Use appropriate surface (inside/outside)
- Disguise intentions/ use a fake
Dribbling to protect / Shielding (keeping possession)
- Body between opponent and ball
- Turn to side / forearm up to shield / take info for passing options
Dribbling 1 v1 (taking on players)
- Recognize and attempt to take advantage of situation quickly (eyes up)
- Face opponent, keeping ball close to foot
- Change of speed/direction and use feints as required
Receiving /Trapping and First Touch
- Know your passing options before even receiving the ball (head up)
- Bring ball down and under control quickly by absorbing/cushioning the ball
- Take good first touch away from opponents
Shooting with instep (advanced skill for experienced players only)
- Plant foot beside ball
- Shooting knee over ball, arms out for balance- Contact ball at laces
- Follow through onto kicking foot
Theme 2: Movement without ball (TACTICAL GOAL IDEAS)
Marking opponent without ball while providing cover for teammate pressuring ball
- Stay goal side (behind player) and ball side
- Use quick steps; avoid turning back on ball/opponent
- One eye on ball and one eye on opponent
- Stay low, on balls of feet, shoulder width apart
Defending 1 v 1
- Jockey with quick steps, avoid lunging
- Force opponent to one side (Jockey with one foot forward)
- Body between net and opponent (1-3 yards away from ball)
- Stay on balls of feet, knees bent, focus on ball-
Getting open to receive ball facing forward
- Change of direction/ change of speed
- Use of deception and timing (at right moment - teammate able to play)
- Body open to goal, 1st touch forward
- Take information away from ball (look behind and to sides)
Creating space for teammates
- Open up forward, back or to side (depth or width)
- Pull defenders out of position
- Continuous movement to find passing angle for ball carrier
- Be aware of ball and teammate with ball
