The upcoming flip of the calendar is the unofficial signal for many to dust off their running shoes, to stop drinking soda, or get more sleep.

While a new year may seem like the perfect time for a new beginning, student-athletes should be setting goals all the time. The key is, however, to make the goals or resolutions small and achievable.

“I think it’s important to write goals down and place them where you can see them daily. Set measurable goals, achievable goals and track the progress. Kids have to be motivated or nothing will happen,” Coach Corey said.

Parents play an important role in helping their kids not only set the right goals, but keep them on track. As parents, you know your kid the best. Whether it’s improving their grades or building their self-confidence, parents know what their kids strengths and weaknesses are and what goals they can achieve.

“Just dropping our kids off at school or practice isn’t sufficient. We need to get involved, ask questions about homework, check in with the teachers to make sure they’re doing well and not wait until the end when their grades might not be satisfactory,” Coach Corey said.

CAL Sports Academy’s coaches take pride is developing their athletes, focusing on what both the individual and teams need to improve on.  What we will be concentrating on in the year ahead is focussing on players advancement of their skills and confidence in their game.

“At the beginning of our AAU Basketball season, my focus is on improving individual weaknesses, building team chemistry and personal relationships,” Coach Corey said. “I try to get a conversation with each of the kids to figure out what are the things they want to accomplish during these months that we’re together.”

Last season, for example, Coach Corey noticed his players were struggling with free throws at tryouts. To improve the team’s shooting percentage, Coach tracked and recorded free throws at every practice from February to June and showed the players their progression.

By setting an achievable goal and setting up ways to measure it, players were motivated to keep improving. CAL Sports Academy has practice and game goals and these keep the kids focus and challenged.

Not sure where to start when it comes to helping your kids set goals? Keep it simple.

“Encouragement in the early stages is key. Kids should focus on one or two goals,” Coach Corey said. I don’t think multiple goals – more than two – is a good idea. Start small.”

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