The underlined group of words constitutes a relative clause modifying "ball" and specifies the criteria for the recipient, employing "whomever" as the object pronoun within the clause.
The underlined group of words, "whomever is open," functions as a relative clause within the sentence. Specifically, it serves as a modifier for the noun "ball" and provides additional information about the recipient of the ball when Claire passes it. The use of "whomever" indicates that the relative pronoun is the object of the implied verb within the clause.
In English, the choice between "who" and "whom" is often determined by their function in the sentence. "Who" is used as a subject pronoun, while "whom" is used as an object pronoun. In this context, "whomever" is intended to be the object of the verb "is open" within the relative clause.
The phrase "whomever is open" is an inclusive description referring to any person on the team who happens to be open, or unmarked by defenders, and is thus a suitable recipient for the ball. This construction highlights Claire's decision-making process, indicating that she will pass the ball to the person who is currently in a favorable position on the playing field.
The question probable maybe:
"What is the role and grammatical function of the underlined group of words whomever is open in the sentence 'Claire will pass the ball to whomever is open, and how does it determine the criteria for the recipient of the ball?"