Why Do We Set Goals?

Parent Guide Series - January 2026

Understanding progress in a sport that feels different.

Every swimmer begins with a dream. That might be learning new skills, qualifying for Counties, breaking a time barrier, or one day reaching Nationals. But a dream on its own is not enough. To make it real, you need structure, direction and a plan. That is why we set goals.

At Basingstoke Bluefins, we believe goals guide growth. They help swimmers develop what matters most. Skills, confidence and motivation built one swim at a time.

Swimming Is Different

If you are a parent new to the sport, swimming can feel very different to football, rugby, hockey, or netball. It is a measured, individual sport played out in lanes, not on a pitch. There is no weekly league table, no visible scoreline and no coach shouting instructions mid-race.

In swimming, success is deeply personal. It is measured in hundredths of a second, not goals or points and the scoreboard does not show the training hours, the execution of technique, or the courage it took to race.

While swimmers train as a team, they race alone. That can feel strange at first, especially for younger athletes used to team sports. Goal setting helps bridge that gap. It gives swimmers a sense of purpose, progress and pride within their own lane.

Why Goal Setting Matters

Goal setting helps swimmers stay motivated, build self-belief, and understand the connection between effort and achievement.It turns daily training into direction and helps them see how small improvements lead to bigger results over time.

Every swimmer benefits from having clear and personal goals. Whether they are learning basic skills, chasing County Qualifying Times, or aiming for a new PB, goals give training purpose and help swimmers understand the reason behind each session.

The Swimmer’s View: “My first goal was just to do three good turns without missing the wall. It made training feel like a game — and I actually hit them all!”

For many swimmers, goals turn training into purpose. They link small habits such as turns, kicks and streamlines to bigger outcomes. One step. One set. One swim at a time.

Seeing Progress

Progress in swimming can be hard to spot. Races are often weeks apart and improvements are usually measured in tenths of a second. Goal setting makes progress visible and helps swimmers recognise improvement even when results have not yet caught up.

It is also important to remember that growth spurts, strength changes and puberty all affect performance. Sometimes speed or coordination dips before it improves. That is normal. Clear goals help swimmers stay patient and continue developing the skills they can control.

When It Feels Like “More School”

For many swimmers, especially in the middle age groups, goal setting and technical reminders can sometimes feel like an extension of school. They spend the day being assessed, measured and told what to improve, so it is natural if they occasionally switch off when they hear:

“Tighter streamline.” “Faster feet.” “Stretch more.”

At Bluefins, our coaches understand this. Sessions are designed to stay positive, encouraging and purposeful. The emphasis is on what swimmers are doing well and on explaining why each skill matters. The aim is not to add pressure but to build confidence and pride in progress.

Goal setting supports this approach. It helps swimmers take ownership of their training, notice the details that matter and recognise small wins along the way.

Parents can help by keeping feedback light and curious: “What went well today?” “What felt better than last week?”

These small conversations help turn goal setting into teamwork rather than another task.

Progress Is Not Linear

Improvement does not happen in a straight line. It comes in waves. Technique changes, training load, physical growth and school life all play a part. Some weeks bring obvious breakthroughs. Others quietly build the base.

The key is consistency and trust. Effort always adds up, even when progress is not immediately visible.

Talk to Your Coach

Goal setting works best when it is a conversation, not a form to fill in. Swimmers should feel able to talk openly with their coaches about what is going well, what feels difficult, and what they would like to improve next. Parents can support this by encouraging reflection rather than directing the process.

At Bluefins, the way goal setting is used can vary by squad. In performance squads, goals are often reviewed across the season using results and reflections after key meets. In younger or developing squads, goal setting is introduced more informally through regular technical feedback and encouragement to identify personal targets.

Every swimmer is individual. One method will not suit everyone. Some swimmers prefer to talk through goals. Others like writing them down or tracking them visually. What matters most is that each swimmer understands what they are aiming for and feels supported in a way that works for them.

The Three Levels of Goals

To make goal setting clear and practical, we use three levels:

Outcome Goals: The big dream, such as achieving a County Qualifying Time.

Performance Goals: The stepping stones that show progress, for example improving turn time or holding pace through a main set.

Process Goals: The daily habits that make the difference, such as streamlining to six metres on every wall or committing to strong finishes.

Each level connects to the next and helps swimmers see how daily actions support long-term progress.

Example: If the outcome goal is a County Qualifying Time, the performance goal might be to drop 0.5 seconds on turn time. The daily process goal could be to streamline to six metres off every wall in every session.

This structure keeps goals realistic, motivating, and within reach.

The Bluefins Goal-Setting Worksheet

To support this process, Bluefins has created a Goal-Setting Worksheet. It helps swimmers and parents reflect, plan, and review in a clear and manageable way.

It can be used to:

• Reflect on strengths and areas for development

• Set realistic short-term and long-term goals

• Track progress across the season

• Recognise effort and improvement

Download the Bluefins Goal-Setting Worksheet

Final Thoughts

Swimming teaches lessons that last far beyond the pool. Patience, consistency and self-belief. Goals are not just about times. They are about growth.

Parents, your calm encouragement matters. Swimmers, your curiosity and effort drive the journey. Together, you create the environment where progress thrives.

Good luck and remember: “A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot.”

Curated by Spencer Turner

Head of Swimming, Basingstoke Bluefins Swimming Club