In this coaching course filmed exclusively for CV Academy, Southampton lead foundation phase coach Lee Smith takes a group of players through a series of practices designed to develop their ability to play through midfield.

The session, which Smith takes alongside assistant foundation phase coach Oli Higginson, starts with a themed technical practice in which players must try to stay on the ball under pressure. This leads into an opposed 2v2 technical practice, in which players must receive under pressure and play forward. The final practice is a 5v5 game in which the players are encouraged to employ the techniques coached through the session.

We hope you enjoy it! Please also click on the Resources tab to access the accompanying session plan in PDF form.