目標設定理論是Locke在1968年所提出的，他是綜合Tayler的科學經營理論、Smiddy和Drucker目標管理理論以及Ryanbs工作理論所提出的觀點(Lock & Lattham,1990)。目標設定理論(1968～1994)在組織與工業心理學是普遍受到肯定的理論，超過400篇的研究報告支持特定的、困難的目標比沒有目標、一般性目標或是盡力去做更能改善成績表現，對於目標設定和運動表現之間的關係是1995年後才有運動心理學家開始作有系統性的研究。 國內在運動領域中有關目標設定理論的研究，其項目包括桌球、羽毛球、網球、籃球、橄欖球、排球、足球、高爾夫球、保齡球、射箭、射飛鏢、伏地半撐、立定跳遠、仰臥起坐、登階表現、三級跳遠、壘球、平衡儀、滾球擲準、鉛球等共37篇(民國79年--90年)。其中支持Locke的特定的、困難的目標比沒有目標、一般性目標或是盡力去做更能提昇表現的理論有27篇，部分學者是持不同的看法，其研究結果是沒有差界的有10篇。國外在運動領域中有關目標設定理論的研究，其項目包括籃球、保齡球、游泳、足球、射箭、射擊、仰臥起坐、肌耐力、耐力、手腳協調等項目，其研究結果與國內大致相同，部分是支持Locke的理論。 本篇就目標設定理論和運動領域中目標設定之研究加以探討，藉以提供教練和選手對目標設定理論的了解並且設定一項實際的目標以及有效達成目標。

The goal setting theory was proposed by Locke who integrated Tayler, Simiddy and Drucker, and Ryanbs’ point of view in 1968. The goal setting theory is frequently examined in organization and industry psychology related studies. More than 400 reports supported that the specific and difficult goal setting methods improve athletic performance better no goal setting, general goal setting, or just doing one’s best After 1985, psychologist started to investigate the relationship between goal setting and sports performance systematically. A total of 37 studies were found examining the goal setting theory in Taiwan. Sport involved in these studies include table tennis, badminton, tennis, basketball, rugby, volleyball, soccer, golf, bowling, archery, dart, press-up, standing jump, sit-up, stepping, triple jump, soft ball, etc, Among the above studies, 27reports have shown consistent results with Lockes findings, with the rest 10reports proposing no significant effects. This study was to discuss the goal setting theory and to investigate inquiries goal setting in sports field in order to provide some useful information for coaches and athletes. The results of this study is expected to help them to set and achieve actual goals effectively.