Coaching

Setting goals is a joint effort between athletes and coaches; imposed goals rarely raise motivation.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

Performance is what the athlete controls; outcomes are often controlled by others, such as the other skaters.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

Goals based on a baseline of performance recorded over the past one or two weeks are likely to be realistic.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

A challenging goal is difficult but attainable; a threatening one is seen as beyond the skater's capacity.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

Both give direction, but short-term goals appear to motivate most and are stepping stones to long-term ones.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

Positive goals direct what to do; negative goals point at the errors to avoid.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

Statements like 'I want to be the best that I can be' sound positive but cannot be measured.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

Goals are structured as short-term, intermediate and long-term, each a stepping stone to the next.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · applied

The checklist starts with the statement, then needs, positive wording and the skater's own control.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · applied

B sits a little above the recent baseline. A is far beyond it, C below it and D level with it.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · applied

The guide lists more attention when learning is hard, rewarding small gains and other measures than winning.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

Goal domains include fitness, attendance, intensity, sportsmanship, team spirit, free time and consistency.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

Specific target dates provide urgency and clarify which goals are realistic.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

Effective goals are limited in number and meaningful, which also keeps the record keeping manageable.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

The guide lists age, ability, readiness, performance, family influence, peer influence and preference.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · recall

Successful coaches include fun in the overall plan, with the athlete's development and skills.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.2: Planning a Training & Competition Season · recall

Partners who act as on-ice coaches rather than partners do not achieve meaningful involvement.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.3: Planning a Training Session · recall

The list starts with more time and attention, then rewarding small gains, then measures outside winning.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · applied

A baseline makes the goal realistic, a date gives urgency, and postseason review checks it.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation; Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.2: Planning a Training & Competition Season · applied

B has goals near, in the middle and far away. A puts them all far off, C all near, D has nothing in between.

Source: Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide (2021), 1.1: Goal Setting and Motivation · applied