Creating Your Training Plan
Goals without a plan are just wishes. This guide helps you turn your goals into a structured training plan that actually works.
The Big Idea
Goals without a plan are just wishes. A structured training plan transforms your goals into daily actions that compound into real progress.
The 8 Phases of Self-Directed Development
Phase 1: Set Your Compass (Goals)
You've already learned about SMART goals. Now put them in a hierarchy:
- Long-term goal (1-2 years): Your dream
- Annual goal: This year's target
- Quarterly goals: 3-month milestones
- Monthly goals: Specific focus areas
- Weekly goals: Training targets
Phase 2: Assess Your Resources
Before planning, honestly evaluate what you have:
| Resource | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Time | How many hours per week can you realistically train? |
| Location | Do you have access to a proper piste? What's the surface quality? |
| Equipment | Do you have appropriate boules? Measuring tools? Video capability? |
| Knowledge | What are your technical strengths and weaknesses? |
| Physical condition | Any limitations? Areas needing work? |
Be honest. A realistic plan beats an ambitious fantasy.
Phase 3: Choose Your Exercises
Select exercises that directly support your goals:
For pointing improvement:
- Precision pointing to marked zones
- Distance variation drills
- Different surface practice
For shooting improvement:
- Shooting ladder (progressive distances)
- Obstacle shooting (forced high arc)
- Moving target practice
For mental development:
- Pre-shot routine practice
- Visualization sessions
- Pressure simulation
Balance your program:
- Technical work (pointing, shooting)
- Mental training (mindfulness, visualization)
- Physical conditioning (balance, flexibility)
- Match play (applying skills)
Phase 4: Create Your Schedule
Build a realistic weekly schedule:
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | - | Technical: Pointing | Light mobility | Precision |
| Tue | - | Technical: Shooting | - | Power/accuracy |
| Wed | - | Mental training | - | Mindfulness |
| Thu | - | Mixed: Game scenarios | Light mobility | Application |
| Fri | - | Technical: Weakness | - | Improvement |
| Sat | Match play or competition | - | - | Performance |
| Sun | Rest | Weekly review | Planning | Recovery |
Key principles:
- Prioritize mental training (it's often neglected)
- Include rest days
- Balance different skills
- Leave flexibility for life
Phase 5: Prepare for Obstacles
Things will go wrong. Plan for it.
| Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Backup Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time shortage | High | Medium | Have a "minimum session" ready (20 min) |
| Bad weather | Medium | Medium | Indoor visualization, video study |
| Low motivation | High | Medium | Return to "why", smaller goals, take a break |
| Minor injury | Medium | High | Focus on mental training, non-affected skills |
| No practice partner | Medium | Low | Solo drills, video self-analysis |
Phase 6: Track Your Progress
What gets measured gets managed.
Keep a training diary:
- Date and duration
- Exercises completed
- Scores/results
- How you felt (energy, focus, flow)
- Technical notes
- Weather/conditions
Weekly review questions:
- Did I complete my planned sessions?
- What scores did I achieve?
- What felt good? What was difficult?
- Any flow experiences?
- What should I adjust?
Phase 7: Stay Motivated
Motivation fluctuates. Build systems to maintain it:
Internal motivation:
- Connect to your "why"
- Celebrate small wins
- Notice improvement over time
- Find joy in the process
External support:
- Training partners (even occasionally)
- Share goals with someone
- Join online communities
- Track streaks and consistency
When motivation drops:
- Do a minimum session (something beats nothing)
- Change your environment
- Review your progress
- Remember past successes
- Take a planned break if needed
Phase 8: Review and Adapt
Your plan should evolve:
Weekly: Quick review, minor adjustments Monthly: Assess progress toward monthly goals, adjust focus Quarterly: Major review, set next quarter's goals Annually: Full assessment, new annual plan
Questions for review:
- Am I making progress toward my goals?
- Is my training effective?
- Do I need different exercises?
- Are my goals still relevant?
- What have I learned?
Sample 8-Week Plan
Goal: Improve shooting accuracy by 15%
| Week | Focus | Key Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baseline | Test current level, video analysis |
| 2 | Technique | Identify and work on key issue |
| 3 | Repetition | High volume shooting practice |
| 4 | Test | Mid-point assessment, adjust |
| 5 | Variation | Different distances and angles |
| 6 | Pressure | Add consequences to drills |
| 7 | Integration | Game-like scenarios |
| 8 | Final test | Measure improvement |
Key Takeaway
Plan your work, then work your plan. But be ready to adapt.
The best plan is one you'll actually follow. Start simple, stay consistent, and adjust as you learn.