Why Do We Set Goals?🎯
- Spencer Turner
- Oct 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Parent Guide Series
Understanding progress in a sport that feels different
Every swimmer begins with a dream — from learning new skills to qualifying for Counties, breaking a time barrier, or one day reaching Nationals. But a dream on its own isn’t enough. To make it real, you need structure, direction, and a plan. That’s why we set goals.
At Basingstoke Bluefins, we believe goals guide growth. They help swimmers focus on what matters most — building skills, confidence, and motivation one swim at a time. 💙
Swimming Is Different
If you’re a parent new to the sport, swimming can feel very different to football, rugby, hockey, or netball. It’s a measured, individual sport played out in lanes, not on a pitch. There’s no weekly league table, no visible scoreline, and no coach shouting instructions mid-race.
In swimming, success is deeply personal. It’s measured in hundredths of a second — not goals or points — and the scoreboard doesn’t 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 bridges that gap — giving swimmers a sense of purpose, progress, and pride within their own lane. 🏊♀️
Why Goal Setting Matters
🎯 Motivation and Direction
Goals give training meaning. When swimmers understand why they’re working, every session has purpose. Instead of just “doing lengths,” they’re developing something personal — whether that’s improving underwater work or perfecting turns.
📈 Seeing Progress
Progress in swimming can be hard to spot — races are weeks apart, and improvements are measured in tenths of a second. Goal setting makes that progress visible, reminding swimmers how far they’ve come even when results don’t show it yet.
It’s also worth remembering that growth spurts, strength changes, and puberty all affect performance. Sometimes speed or coordination dips before it improves. That’s normal — and having clear goals helps swimmers stay patient and continue building the skills they can control.
When It Feels Like ‘More School’
For many swimmers — especially those 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’s natural if they occasionally switch off when they hear:
“Tighter streamline!” “Faster feet!” “Stretch more!”
At Bluefins, our coaches understand this. We keep sessions positive, encouraging, and purposeful — highlighting what swimmers do well and explaining the why behind each skill. The aim isn’t to add pressure, but to build confidence and pride in progress.
Goal setting supports that approach. It helps swimmers take ownership of their training, notice the details that matter, and celebrate small wins.
Parents can help by keeping feedback light and curious:
“What went well today?” or “What felt better than last week?”
These small questions build confidence and turn goal setting into teamwork — not another task.
Progress Isn’t Linear
Improvement doesn’t happen in a straight line — it comes in waves. 🌊
Technique changes, new training loads, physical growth, and school life all play a part. Some weeks bring breakthroughs; others simply build the base.
The key is consistency and trust — effort always adds up, even when it’s not immediately visible.
Talk to Your Coach
Goal setting works best as a two-way conversation.
Swimmers should talk openly with their coaches about their goals — what’s going well, what’s challenging, and what they’d like to improve next. Parents can support by prompting reflection and curiosity, rather than directing the process.
At Bluefins, the approach to goal setting varies by squad:
Performance squads often review goals throughout the season, using results and reflections after key meets.
Younger squads explore goals more informally — through regular technical feedback and gentle encouragement to spot personal targets.
Every swimmer is individual. One method won’t suit everyone — some prefer to discuss goals, others enjoy writing them down or tracking them visually. What matters most is that each swimmer understands what they’re 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 (e.g. achieve a County QT or qualify for Regionals).
Performance Goals — stepping stones that measure progress (e.g. improve turn time by 0.3 s or maintain pace through a main set).
Process Goals — the daily habits that make all the difference (e.g. streamline to 5 m every wall, commit to race finishes, keep a positive mindset).
Each level connects to the next — helping swimmers understand how everyday actions contribute to long-term progress.
Example: If your Outcome Goal is to achieve a County Qualifying Time, your Performance Goal might be to drop 0.5 seconds on your turn time, and your daily Process Goal could be to streamline to 5 m off every wall in training.
The Bluefins Goal-Setting Worksheet
To make things simple, Bluefins has created a Goal-Setting Worksheet — a practical tool that helps swimmers and parents plan together.
It breaks the journey into easy stages, with prompts to keep goals realistic, positive, and personal.
Use it to:
Reflect on what’s going well
Identify one or two areas to improve
Set short- and long-term targets
Review and celebrate progress
Final Thoughts
Swimming teaches lessons that last far beyond the pool — patience, consistency, and self-belief. Goals aren’t just about times; they’re about growth.
Parents: your calm encouragement and perspective make all the difference.
Swimmers: your curiosity and effort are the driving force.
Together, you create the environment where progress thrives.
Good luck — and remember: “A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot.” 💙🐬
💙 Discover Bluefins
At Bluefins, we’re proud to celebrate every swimmer’s pathway — from the youngest in our Skills Academy to our performance squads chasing big goals. ✨ Come and see what makes our club special: exceptional quality coaching, community spirit, pathways of progression, and performance success stories. 🚀 Contact our amazing Ali to discuss pathways and arrange a trial - Find out more at bbfsc.org - Your journey starts here.
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