The Claim
In male academy soccer players, resistance training performed once weekly during the in-season period significantly improves lower-body strength and power compared to soccer training alone.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Male academy soccer players who do one weekly session of resistance training during the season show greater gains in lower-body strength and power than those who only play soccer.
See the scientific wording
In male academy soccer players, resistance training performed once weekly during the in-season period significantly improves lower-body strength and power compared to soccer training alone, demonstrating that even minimal resistance training can maintain or enhance physical performance during competitive periods.
Lifting heavy weights once a week forces the nervous system to activate more muscle fibers at once and fire them faster, making the muscles produce more force without getting bigger. This allows the player to jump higher and squat stronger without needing more training time.
What the research says
1 studySoccer players who did just one short weightlifting session a week got stronger and jumped higher than players who only played soccer. Even though they lifted less, they still improved more than those who didn’t lift at all.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.