THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL STRENGTH TRAINING ON CERTAIN SPECIFIC PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND THE ACCURACY OF PASSING AND SHOOTING IN YOUTH FOOTBALL PLAYERS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of using functional strength training on specific physical abilities and the accuracy of passing and shooting in under-16 youth football players. The experimental method was employed, using a one-group experimental design with pre- and post-tests. The sample was intentionally selected from under-16 youth football players from several Iraqi clubs. The research results indicated that functional strength training had a positive effect on the specific physical abilities of the players under 16 years old. Furthermore, functional strength training also positively influenced the accuracy of passing and shooting among youth football players under 16 years of age. The researcher recommends that football coaches in general, and youth coaches in particular, incorporate the functional strength training program proposed in this study, due to its positive impact on specific physical abilities and skills, especially passing and shooting. Additionally, functional strength training should be aligned with the movement pathways and working muscles involved during the performance of football skills