How to Set SMART Athletic Goals: Stop Guessing, Start Growing.

David Logan
Jan 15
2 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

By Spectator Sport | Athlete Development Series: Goal Setting & Growth

"Work harder."

"Be a leader."

"Make varsity."

These are great intentions, but they’re not goals. Goals that work are specific, trackable, and strategic. That’s why elite athletes don’t just grind harder… they set SMART goals and use them to guide their daily effort.

At Spectator Sport, we believe growth is a system, not a guess. Here’s how to set goals that move you forward, one rep at a time.

What Are SMART Goals?

SMART is a goal-setting framework that makes your vision clear and achievable:

Letter	Meaning	Why It Matters
S	Specific	Defines exactly what you're working toward
M	Measurable	Lets you track progress and results
A	Achievable	Keeps goals realistic and within reach
R	Relevant	Aligns with your sport, season, and priorities
T	Time-bound	Puts a clear deadline on your effort

A SMART goal turns "I want to improve" into "I will increase my vertical jump by 4 inches by May 1st."

How to Set Your Own SMART Goal

1. Choose a Focus Area

Pick one of the following:

Physical (speed, strength, flexibility)
Skill-based (technique, footwork, accuracy)
Mental (confidence, focus, leadership)
Academic or lifestyle (grades, sleep, hydration)

Tip: Start with 1–2 goals at a time max, don’t overload yourself.

2. Use This Template:

I will [specific outcome] by [deadline] by [method of achieving it].

Example:

"I will reduce my 40-yard dash time by 0.3 seconds by August 1st by sprint training twice a week and tracking my progress monthly."

3. Write It Down & Review It Weekly

Goals you don’t see become goals you forget.

Put it on your locker
Set it as your phone wallpaper
Write it in your training journal
Check your progress every 7–10 days

4. Break Big Goals Into Mini-Wins

If your goal is 6 months out, set weekly checkpoints:

Week 1: Run test time
Week 2: Add sled sprints
Week 3: Measure improvement
Week 4: Evaluate nutrition + sleep

Small wins create momentum. Momentum builds confidence. Confidence builds consistency.

5. Celebrate Progress, Adjust If Needed

If you hit your goal, great .If you're behind, tweak your methods, not your mission.

The only failed goal is the one you stop trying to reach.

Final Word: Don’t Just Work Hard, Work With Purpose.

Anyone can say they want to improve but winners write it down, plan it out, and track it until they get there.

Goals give your grind direction, SMART goals give it results.

At Spectator Sport, we don’t just spotlight talent,

we help athletes grow with intention; one goal, one habit, one breakthrough at a time.