Discuss how goal setting is used in the long-term psychological preparation for sports performance.

As a discuss question the examiner will not be looking for the learner to simply focus on the positives of the technique. In addition the question states that the answer should be in the context of a long-term psychological preparation. Looking for the key topic and question work is an exam technique that is key to PE a level and it is something that can dramatically improve test results. A short definition of technique used to put in place strategies and measure overall achievement on goal outlines." Then you can list some positives such as the strategy increases motivation in athletes and can be adapted to psychological training very easily in addition to it being a great way to highlight strengths and weaknesses. You may then want to link in other topics to show the examiner your understanding of the breadth of the syllabus. For example, you may add that goal setting can increase confidence and self-efficacy which is linked to higher performance levels. As I mentioned before it is a discussion question therefore it would be wise to give some insight into why this strategy may not always be successful e.g. goals can become demotivating if they are unattainable which will decrease self efficacy and consequently have a detrimental impact on performance levels. This closing sentence is a great way to link back to the topic of sports performance in the question to show the examiner you have responded to the question rather than simply listed all knowledge on the topic area.