A goal without a date is a wish. Having a goal is what keeps you focused during your off-season training. And let’s face it – your off-season workouts require a lot of sacrifice. But to achieve a goal, you must have a method and a process. That’s why it’s important to make your goal S.M.A.R.T.
S.M.A.R.T. is part of my AT-BATS methodology, my patent pending process that enables me to measure development and success. S.M.A.R.T. is:
* What is the SPECIFIC goal you want to achieve?
* How will you MEASURE it?
* Is it ACHIEVABLE?
* Is it RELEVANT to the big picture?
* What is your TIME FRAME?
Let’s look at my off-season training program for Jason Heyward. We have had this planned since the end of the season. We know how many reps he’ll take during the off-season and when he’ll get them. We are working on the load phase of his swing. Our specific goal is to get him 3,000 reps in 10 days, which will help him develop a habit.
After the load phase, we will measure success with the same process for his approach, contact and extension. If you can’t measure it, your development is based on luck.
What is your overall goal for the upcoming spring season? Do you want to double your RBIs from last year? Decrease your strikeouts by 50 percent? Be specific. Your short-term goal is what you should strive for this off-season. If it’s not helping you get closer to your goal, it’s hurting you.
Can you achieve your goal now? The answer is probably no. So start working within your method with diligent practice as soon as you can.
Is your goal relevant? For example, know your role as a hitter. If you aren’t a power hitter, your goal shouldn’t be to increase your home run numbers.
Think of it like this: The off-season is your study time; the test is the spring season.
Your goal should be focused and realistic. You don’t want to waste time during the off-season. To help keep you on track, ask your baseball coach what his expectations are for you in the spring.
This is the S.M.A.R.T. approach to your off-season game plan.
BIO:
C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an area scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, CJ has more than 12 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J Stewart has a proven system of development and track record of success that can work for you.
Leave a Reply