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Part 2: Approx 4 minutes reading

GOAL SETTING SIMPLIFIED

Cricket specific goals, processes and examples.

The SMART Theory
 
SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound. This theory helps you track progress within a certain timeframe, increase clarity, avoid guesswork and general statements. Notice the difference in the 2 statements below:
 
  • I want to make some runs this season. General Statement
  • I want to score 3 hundreds and 6 x 50 plus scores in the premier competition 2022/23 season. SMART
 
We are going to utilise the smart theory to look at some cricket specific goals which we are going to break down into the following:
  • In-Season Training Goals
  • Off-Season Training Goals
  • Overall Playing Season Goals

In-Season Training Goals


These help in maintaining a working formula as well as assist in making small progressive improvements in weaker areas. In other words, In season training goals should be centred on reinforcing a style of play that we have selected and prepared for in order to achieve the best results in the current season. 
 
Examples
  • This season, I will bowl 10 overs each week before games, improving accuracy on hitting ABCD targets.
  • This season I will have a hit 3 times a week for an hour on the bowling machine, working on my strike rotation shots in the middle overs.
  • This season, I will spend 15 minutes working on my defensive technique each session.
  • This season, I will catch and throw balls for 30 minutes each Thursday to improve my fielding.

Off-Season Goals

These help us enhance existing strengths, improve on weaknesses, develop and consolidate new skills or playing styles. The difference is that there is room for big changes with a huge focus on making noticeable improvements. 'Staying the same is going backwards', so players should aim to get better with each new season. There is always something to improve.
 
Examples
  • I will open the batting in the First XI for the A grade next season. 
  • I will improve my strike rotation against Left-Arm Off-Spin bowlers that come around the wicket by the 1st of October next season.
  • I will bowl 5kph faster by the first of October next season.
 

The Process

It is then imperative that we action the goal by defining the process for how we are going to achieve the goal. For the example goals above, the smart process would be as follows:
 
Process: I will work on improving the start of my innings by getting better at facing pace, defending against the swinging and seaming ball as well as converting loose deliveries into boundaries.
Process: I will practice coming down the wicket and playing with the spin towards long off or with the angle towards long on.
Process: I will consult a fast bowling coach by 1st of April for help in planning a winter program.
Playing Season Goals 
These are short term focused and provide a more specific outcome in the short-run ie the current season. 
 
Example
I will score 900 runs for Melbourne CC as an opening batter in the 22/23 Victorian Premier Cricket Season.

Smart Breakdown :
  • In 18 games, I will score 3 hundreds plus 6 x 50 plus scores at an average of 55.
  • I will convert every start (20+ score) into a big score (75+ score).
  • I will get 3 not outs for the season by batting through the innings (1x 20 Overs, 1x 50 Overs, 1x 90 overs).
 
Example Smart Process: How will I Score The Runs?
  • Every new innings, I will start by focusing on getting through the first over.
  • I will trust my defensive technique and leave well outside off stump.
  • I will look to score off my pads as well as anything short from first ball. 
  • I will play full balls really late, allow the ball come onto the bat and look for soft singles in the first 3 overs.
  • If the ball is swinging away, I'll keep my back foot square ie parallel to the crease. If the ball is swinging in, I’ll look to play straighter towards the bowler or mid-on and adjust my body positions.
  • I will bat in 5 over slots or I will look to score in 30 run blocks. 

Key things to remember

  • Setting goals is great but more effective when there is a process in place on how to achieve them.
  • Once set, the process should be the main focus.
  • If your goals seem too big, don’t change them but break them down to focus on the short term first.
  • If your goals seem easy, shift the goal posts.

 
 
 

About Sol Mire

The former Zimbabwean Test, ODI and T20 international batting allrounder, is the founder of Advance2Play. He has plenty of experience in player development and high performance programs with a combined 22 years of playing, mentoring and coaching around the globe. He has worked with players from grassroots to international level, developed training programs for academies, schools and presented on various cricket topics at different levels.
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