For Coaches: Teaching Goal Setting to Drive Growth

As a coach, you’re not just developing basketball players—you’re shaping young women for life. Teaching your athletes how to set meaningful goals is one of the most valuable tools you can give them.

Goals drive focus, build work ethic, and keep motivation strong—even when the lights aren’t bright and the gym is quiet.

Introduce your team to SMART goals:

• Specific: Clear and detailed (e.g., “improve left-hand layups”).
• Measurable: They should track their progress (e.g., “make 50 left-hand layups daily”).
• Achievable: Challenging but within reach.
• Relevant: Aligned with their personal growth and team role.
• Time-bound: Tied to a deadline for urgency.

Create time in your season for players to write down goals and reflect on them. Ask them to set process goals (what they’ll do daily) and performance goals (what they’re working toward). Then, check in with them regularly. Goal setting isn’t a one-time activity—it’s a habit.

As their coach, your belief and guidance will fuel their follow-through. Celebrate effort, consistency, and accountability more than stats.

By helping them own their growth, you’re preparing them not just for basketball—but for life beyond it.

Click here for a post your athletes can use to create their own goals: Set the Goal, Chase the Dream