A very simple, single-phase, unidirectional-force driving linear switched reluctance motor is presented in this paper. The application background is reciprocating compressors. In order to minimize the input power under the stroke command and achieve the high efficiency operation of the linear compressor system, a trajectory tracking technique based on iterative control and iterative learning control method is proposed. This is based on the fact that for a mass-spring-damper system, the displacement varies essentially sinusoidally with time if the net force on the mover is only the spring force. First, the characteristics of the whole system were investigated. Second, the proposed technique was described. And last, experiments were performed. By evaluation of the motion trajectory, the technique controlled the motor to fulfill the commands of stroke and equilibrium position, and to achieve the minimum input power operation. The motor current is regulated through a PWM driver and a current controller. Experimental results have demonstrated the validity and effectiveness of the proposed technique.