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The study investigates the impact of functional strength training on technical skills and movement scores in young soccer players.

March 21, 2026Open Access

The Effect of Functional Training on Some Soccer-Specific Technical Skills and Functional Movement Analysis (FMS) Scores in Young Soccer Players

Key Points

The study investigates the impact of functional strength training on technical skills and movement scores in young soccer players.
Participants included thirty male U13–U14 soccer players randomly assigned to functional training (FTG) and control groups (CG).
FTG underwent a six-week functional strength training program three times weekly alongside regular soccer training.
Performance was assessed using various tests including sprint and agility tests, slalom dribbling, and FMS.
FTG showed greater improvements in explosive power and movement quality compared to CG post-intervention with large effect sizes.
Both groups improved their sprint performance, but FTG had superior gains in functional movement and specific technical skills.
No significant differences were found between groups for some technical skill parameters.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-week functional strength training program, applied in addition to regular soccer training, on soccer-specific technical skills, physical performance parameters, and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores in young soccer players. Thirty male U13–U14 soccer players from MKE Ankaragücü Football Club were randomly assigned to a functional training group (FTG, n = 15) or a control group (CG, n = 15). The FTG performed a structured functional strength training program three times per week for six weeks in addition to routine soccer training, while the CG continued only regular soccer training. Pre- and post-tests included sprint and agility tests (with and without ball), slalom dribbling, Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT), standing and lying medicine ball throws (SMB, LMB), countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and FMS. Independent-samples and paired-samples t-tests were applied, and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d. Post-intervention analyses revealed significantly greater improvements in the FTG compared to the CG for SMB, LMB, CMJ, SJ, and total FMS score (p < 0.05; large effect sizes). Both groups showed improvements in sprint performance; however, the FTG demonstrated superior gains in movement quality and explosive power. No significant between-group differences were observed in some technical skill parameters. Functional strength training appears to be an effective and safe training approach for enhancing movement quality, explosive performance, and selected technical skills in young soccer players. These findings support the integration of functional training into youth soccer training programs.

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