Goals provide orientation and a measure of success. There are short-term and long-term goals: immediate tasks versus dreams for the future.

The German national football team’s victory in the 2014 FIFA World Cup is often attributed to careful preparation, strategic planning and the effective use of SMART goal-setting methods. Let’s look at what this means in practice using their example.

Goal: To win the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Divide the goal:

Defense objectives
Complete at least 70% of the games without conceding goals.

Reduce the number of shots on goal by the opponent to less than 5 per game.

Offensive goals

Score at least 2 goals per game on average.
At least 60% possession in each game.

Player-specific goals:All forwards must have at least 5 shots on goal per game.
Midfielders must complete at least 85% of their passes.
Defenders should win 80% of their tackles.

Required tasks that need to be performed:
Detailed analysis of previous World Cup winning teams to identify key performance indicators.
Individual player assessments to set personal goals in line with team goals.
Completion of specific tasks during training. For example, defenders practice man-marking and tackling, midfielders practice ball distribution and passing accuracy, and strikers practice shooting accuracy.

Objective: Quantify performance in order to track the path to winning the World Championship.

Indicators:

Advanced analytics allow you to measure ball possession, passing accuracy, shooting accuracy, defensive actions and player fitness.

Regularly updated performance feedback for coaches and players to track progress.

Required tasks that need to be performed:

Using GPS tracking systems and heart rate monitors to collect real-time data during training and games.

Use video analysis software to review game footage and provide measurable feedback.

Weekly performance reviews where coaches provide players with data-driven insights.

Goal: Set realistic and achievable goals, taking into account the capabilities of the team and competitors.

Evaluation:

Comparison with the best international teams through friendly matches and tournaments.

An assessment of the team’s strengths and weaknesses in various areas such as defense, midfield control and attacking ability.

Required tasks that need to be performed:

Targeted training on identified weaknesses (e.g. defending when outnumbered, counterattacks).

Set increasing goals. For example, improve certain indicators by a certain percentage every month before the World Cup.

Psychological preparation to ensure that players believe they can achieve these goals through team building activities and mental conditioning sessions.

Goal: Make sure all goals are aligned with the ultimate goal of winning the World Cup.

Adjustment:

Every training session, every tactical training session and every friendly match is in line with the overall strategy to win the World Cup.

The focus is on team cohesion and unity, setting goals for individual performance that contribute to the overall success of the team.

Required tasks that need to be performed:

Tactical briefings where coaches explain the importance of each training exercise for the World Cup objectives.

Regular team meetings to strengthen the shared vision and discuss progress.

Involve players in the objectives so that they have the commitment and psychological attachment necessary to perform their roles responsibly.

Goal: Set clear deadlines to achieve each goal that will lead to winning the World Cup.

Timeline: Annual, monthly and weekly goals until the World Cup.

Specific deadlines for fitness level, tactical understanding and team cohesion.

Required tasks that need to be performed:

Structured training programs with milestones, such as reaching peak form three months before the World Cup.

Planen Sie internationale Freundschaftsspiele und Spiele, um Ihre Fitness in verschiedenen Phasen zu testen.

Countdown-Ansatz mit gezielten Verbesserungen in jeder Phase der Vorbereitung.