Opening-up is the next level of controlling. Often referred to as controlling with the back foot because it is the foot farthest from the passer or the front foot as it will be the foot farthest forward if the player is facing forward after the touch. Either way, opening-up is one of the essential techniques.
The exercise below involves four players working around the outside of a triangle made with cones. Extra balls are on the inside as this is space unused in the exercise and the players only work on the outside of the triangle. Players take two touches, one to control and turn their body in the direction of their pass, and a second touch to pass. Players are encouraged to hop backwards on the first touch to take the pace off of the ball and they should be reminded to remain balanced on their pass and maintain an upright posture.
Following the pass, the player moves to the next cone and waits for the ball to travel around the triangle.
