The Underrated Power of Goal Setting in Basketball

written by Coach Robert

We hear it all the time: “Set goals.” It’s preached in classrooms, locker rooms, motivational speeches—you name it. But if you're anything like me, those words often fade into the background, dismissed as one of those overused phrases that sound good but feel empty in practice. That is, until recently, when I had a front row seat to just how transformative goal setting can be—on and off the court.

As a lifelong student of the game, I’ve always approached basketball with intensity. I’m a go-getter by nature, wired to score, defend, and hustle my heart out every time I step on the hardwood. I never needed a reminder to work hard—I just did it. And honestly, I assumed that was the way it was supposed to be. Willpower. Grit. Natural ability. But coaching a middle school girls’ basketball team during our first season taught me that setting goals isn’t just helpful—it’s everything.

Let me set the scene:

it was our first season as a team. New players, new dynamics, and lots of learning curves. We were figuring each other out while navigating the chaos of games, practices, and expectations. To put it plainly, it was a tough ride. We went winless all season. Not one “W” to our name.

But then came our final game. I decided to try something different—something simple. I set a goal. I challenged the girls:

"Let’s score 10 points in the first half.”

That’s it. Five made baskets. I even sweetened the deal with a small incentive. And the moment the goal was laid out, something amazing happened.

They played with purpose.

From the tip-off, you could feel the shift. They weren’t just running up and down the court aimlessly—they were fighting to score. Every pass was smarter. Every cut more intentional. They weren’t afraid to shoot. In fact, some of the quietest players on the team—girls who hadn’t attempted a single shot all season—were launching buzzer-beaters from half court. Not just to be flashy, but because they understood the mission.

And then it happened. Basket by basket, we chipped away at our goal. And when we finally reached that 10-point mark, the celebration was electric—not just from the players, but from the crowd, too. We didn’t win on the scoreboard, but we won in spirit. We played like we had something to believe in. And that made all the difference.

Now don’t get me wrong—I’m not writing this as some “look at me, Coach of the Year” post. I’m writing it because what I witnessed changed how I view this game, and life in general. That simple, clear, and attainable goal lit a fire in those girls. It gave them confidence, focus, and something to fight for. They weren’t distracted by the chaos or the scoreboard—they were locked in on something bigger than winning. They were locked in on purpose.

The other team? They won the game, sure. But we were playing a different kind of game. While they chased points and personal stats, we chased connection, effort, and inner growth. And we celebrated every basket like it was gold. We weren’t trying to impress anyone—we were just trying to grow. Together.

By the end of that game, players who had been timid all season were begging to get back on the court. They found their voice, their courage, their hunger. Not because of me, but because they saw what could happen when you set a goal that fits you. A goal that builds, not breaks. A goal that affirms, not compares.

Our culture often says that the goal of basketball is to win. And maybe that’s true on paper. But I believe the real victory is the one that happens inside. That’s the kind that sticks. Middle school scoreboards will fade. Memories of wins and losses will blur. But what doesn’t fade? The feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself. The belief that you matter. The inner fire that says,

"I can do this."

So whether you're on the court, in the classroom, or just trying to figure out life—set a goal. Make it simple. Make it yours. And let that goal fuel your growth, your connection, and your courage.

Because the only win that truly lasts… is the one from within.

Shalom.