Goal setting is a simple process but needs to be individual. You can’t rely on other peoples goals so you must set your own. Ideally this is done between a cricketer and coach. There is a method making your goal setting work properly. To do this, all goals must meet certain criteria. Without these, your performance will not improve.

• Specific - All goals must have a specific target to aim at. A long term specific goal may be to get into the first team or score 800 runs in a season. A shorter term specific goal may be to get a certain number of runs in a game.

• Challenging - A goal cannot be too easy or difficult or you will soon lose interest. A good goal is something that can be achieved, but is difficult enough to motivate. It is a good idea to get someone else to help you set challenging goals as you can often under- or overestimate your own cricket ability.

• Measurable - To monitor your progress a target must measured regularly. You could set your target at a certain average, and you keep track throughout the season, constantly working out what figures you need to keep that average within target. Measurable goals can also be subjective. For example, improvement of bowling action by coaches analysis.

• Self Controlled - Keep goals individual to you. Your goals should be achieved by you and not depend on anyone else for success. If you have to depend on others you may lose motivation if you think they are not pulling their weight.

• Time Related - Make sure your goal has an end point, or at least a review point where performance can be evaluated and the goal can be re-set if needed. Without this you may lose focus and energy.