Effects of a Six-Week Functional Training Program on Physical Performance and Passing Accuracy in Young Adult Male Soccer Players

Background: This study evaluated the efficacy of a 6-week functional training (FT) program on body composition, neuromuscular performance, and technical proficiency in young adult male soccer players.

Methods: Thirty young adult male soccer players (aged 19–24 years) were randomized into either a functional training group (FTG, n = 15), performing specialized strength, agility, and precision-based exercises thrice weekly, or a control group (CG, n = 15), engaging in standard soccer drills. Metrics assessed included leg muscle mass, fat mass, vertical jump, T-test agility, 30-m sprint, and passing accuracy (Loughborough Soccer Passing Test; LSPT) at baseline, week 3, and week 6.

Results: No significant baseline differences were observed. Significant time × group interactions were found for leg muscle mass (FTG: +1.38 kg vs. CG: –0.14 kg, p < 0.001) and fat mass (FTG: –1.91 kg vs. CG: +0.76 kg, p < 0.001). The FTG demonstrated marked improvements in T-test agility (–11.58%, p < 0.001), 30-m sprint (–17.7%, p < 0.001), and LSPT total performance time (p < 0.001). Crucially, the FTG showed significant enhancements in explosive power and a substantial reduction in LSPT penalty points (p < 0.05) in both weeks 3 and week 6, whereas the CG remained stagnant.

Conclusion: A 6-week FT intervention effectively optimizes neuromuscular coordination and movement efficiency in young adult male soccer players. By concurrently enhancing explosive power and technical passing accuracy, FT serves as an evidence-based strategy to maximize athletic capacity and skill development within a compressed training cycle.