Background: Resistance training (RT) is critical in enhancing athletic performance by improving physical fitness and sport-specific skills. However, there is a lack of systematic evaluation regarding the effects of RT on competitive athletes. This systematic review aims to explore the evidence of the impact of RT on physical performance and badminton-specific skills among competitive badminton players, providing actionable insights for optimizing training. Methods: Five databases—Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and SPORTDiscus—were systematically searched to identify studies investigating RT interventions for competitive badminton players. The search used a combination of keywords related to RT, physical fitness, and badminton. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines. Results: RT interventions significantly improved power (e.g., countermovement jump, squat jump), speed (e.g., shuttle run), agility (e.g., directional changes), and endurance in competitive badminton players. Lower-limb RT demonstrated the strongest effects on jump performance, while core strength training enhanced technical stability and power transfer within kinetic chains. Upper-limb RT showed promising results in improving smash velocity and accuracy, though the evidence remains limited. Long-term interventions (>8 weeks) were more effective than shorter programs. Effective training modalities included plyometrics, eccentric overload, and functional core exercises. Conclusion: RT programs tailored to the physical and technical demands of badminton can significantly enhance athletic performance, particularly in high-intensity scenarios like offensive strokes and rapid directional changes. These findings highlight the importance of integrating RT into badminton-specific training regimens. Future research should focus on long-term RT effects and its impact on advanced skill execution. Systematic Review Registration: identifier CRD42024559831.
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