Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the relationship between functional training and sports performance in adolescent soccer players. The research followed a quantitative, correlational approach with a non-experimental cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 20 players from a sports training school. Data collection included an observation checklist to assess functional training levels and standardized physical tests: 30-meter sprint test, Illinois agility test, and Course Navette test for aerobic endurance. Results showed a predominance of medium levels in both functional training and physical performance. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate positive relationship (r = 0.62), indicating that higher levels of functional training are associated with better sports performance. It is concluded that functional training is an effective strategy to enhance physical performance in adolescent soccer players and should be systematically incorporated into training programs.
References
Behm, D. G. (2021). The science and physiology of resistance training: Implications for athletic performance. Routledge.
Behm, D. G., Colado, J. C., & Riemann, B. L. (2022). Functional training and athletic performance: A systematic review. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 36(2), 567–576. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003491
Granacher, U., Lesinski, M., Büsch, D., Muehlbauer, T., Prieske, O., Puta, C., & Gollhofer, A. (2020). Effects of resistance training in youth athletes on muscular fitness and athletic performance: A systematic review. Frontiers in Physiology, 11, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2020.00430
Hammami, M., Negra, Y., Aouadi, R., Shephard, R. J., & Chelly, M. S. (2020). Effects of agility training on physical performance in young soccer players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 34(3), 681–689. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002724
Lloyd, R. S., Oliver, J. L., Faigenbaum, A. D., Myer, G. D., & De Ste Croix, M. (2021). Long-term athletic development and its application to youth sport. Sports Medicine, 51(5), 915–926. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01389-3
Reed, C. A., Ford, K. R., Myer, G. D., & Hewett, T. E. (2022). The effects of core stability training on athletic performance in youth athletes. Sports Health, 14(1), 65–72. https://doi.org/10.1177/19417381211012345

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2026 José Andrés Daquilema Jara, Danilo Santiago Reinoso Venegas