Abstract:
Strength training has been recognized as a crucial component of physical conditioning for athletes, particularly in sports such as football where physical prowess is essential for success on the field. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of strength training on selected physical fitness and football skills, in the case of Azena football project. To facilitate this study, some hypotheses were formulated. The study was a quasi-experimental research design and quantitative research approach was used. The samples of 26 football project players in Azena football project with an age of (EG= 18.23±1.53, CG=17.84± 1.46,), formed the sample for the study. Using comprehensive sampling technique subjects were randomly assigned in to two equal groups. Both the experimental group (n = 13) and control group (n = 13) participated in the regular football training. But only EG trainees performed additional strength training for 8 weeks, with 3 sessions per week, each lasting 40 to50 minutes each day. The variables investigated were speed, agility, passing and dribbling skills. Subjects were measured on two occasions: first, before administration of strength training as a pre-test, and second, after eight weeks of strength training as a post-test. The data collected from study subjects were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software using ANCOVA to compare within and between groups, and to observe the effect sizes of strength training on physical fitness and football passing and dribbling technical skill levels at the 0.05 level of significance. The result indicates that strength training significantly improved speed, agility, passing and dribbling skills in EG at (p≤0.05). But no significant improvements were found in all the variables in CG (P>0.05). Based on this finding, it can be concluded that eight weeks of strength training has a significant effect on the improvement of physical fitness variables and football technical skills. Therefore, strength training method is recommended for football players and coaches to improve the physical fitness and technical skills of football players.