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IntermediateLeg Drag Pass
Taught by:Adam FarnslerAndre GalvaoBernardo FariaCraig JonesGordon RyanJohn DanaherKeenan CorneliusLachlan GilesMikey MusumeciNathan MerkleRob BiernackiRob ShifflerRoger Gracie
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About This Technique
Leg Drag Pass
Position: Open Guard
Top or Bottom: Top
Japanese Name: レッグドラッグパス (Reggu Doraggu Pasu)
The Leg Drag Pass is a versatile and effective guard pass technique used to transition from the open guard position to a more dominant side control position.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Setup
-
Grip Establishment:
- Begin in your opponent's open guard.
- Establish a grip on the opponent’s pant legs, close to the knee, by using your opposite hand.
- Your other hand should control the sleeve or collar to prevent your opponent from sitting up or grabbing you.
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Posture and Distance Management:
- Maintain a strong and balanced posture.
- Ensure you’re not too close, preserving a good distance to prevent offensive guard attacks such as sweeps or submissions.
Execution
-
Push and Redirect:
- Push one of the opponent’s legs across their body, aiming to keep it closer to the ground.
- Redirect their other leg by stepping back slightly to create an opening.
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Pinning the Leg:
- Simultaneously, use the knee of the leg on the same side you’re dragging towards to pin their leg in place.
- Ensure heavy pressure to make it difficult for your opponent to regain guard or move.
-
Weight Shift:
- Shift your weight onto the pinned leg by turning your hip downwards, further consolidating the position.
- Keep your elbow glued close to your body while controlling their leg, decreasing their options.
Transition
-
Slide and Pass:
- Execute a slide of your trapped knee towards your opponent’s armpit as you move around their body while maintaining pressure.
- Circle your trailing leg over the opponent’s other leg to prevent re-guard.
-
Securing Position:
- Establish side control by settling your hips and chest on their torso.
- Maintain underhook or crossface control to secure the top position and prevent the opponent from turning into you.
Key Points to Consider
- Maintain Pressure: Constant pressure is crucial when clearing and controlling their legs.
- Timing: The pass should be executed fluidly, blending all movements together without hesitation.
- Adaptability: Be ready to switch to different passes should your opponent react defensively upon initial control.
Tips for Success
- Practice Countering Grips: Your opponent may try to re-establish grips or frames. Practicing grip breaks is essential.
- Awareness of Knees: Be vigilant you're not caught in unexpected leg attacks when setting up the leg drag.
Mastering the Leg Drag Pass can significantly enhance your pass repertoire, providing a strategic advantage against various types of open guards.
How to Execute
# Leg Drag Pass from Open Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details:** Begin in your opponent's open guard. Your opponent is on their back with their legs in front of you. You should be in a low, athletic stance, ready to engage.
- **Grips and Controls Needed:** Establish a grip on your opponent’s ankle with one hand (let's say your right hand on their left ankle). Your other hand (left hand) should be controlling their opposite knee (their right knee) or pants. This setup allows you to control their legs and prepare for the pass.
## Steps
1. **Control the Hips and Legs:**
- Use your right hand to push their left ankle across your body towards your left hip. This motion creates an angle and begins to align their hips away from you.
- Simultaneously, use your left hand to push their right knee towards the mat, opening their legs and creating space.
2. **Step Around the Legs:**
- As you drag their left leg across your body, step your right leg outside their left leg to block their hip.
- Bring your left knee up to their right hip, pinning their hips with your shin and knee. This position prevents them from reguarding or recovering their open guard.
3. **Establish Control and Pressure:**
- Use your left hand to control their far side hip or pants, ensuring they cannot turn towards you.
- Keep your chest low and apply pressure with your upper body on their torso to prevent them from moving.
4. **Transition to Side Control:**
- Slide your right leg back, dropping your right knee to the mat while maintaining pressure with your upper body.
- Secure an underhook on their far side with your left arm, and establish head control by placing your right arm across their neck or shoulder.
- Settle into a dominant side control position, ensuring your weight is distributed properly for control.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember:**
- Maintain strong grips on the ankle and knee throughout the pass to control their legs.
- Keep your hips low and chest forward to apply pressure and prevent them from recovering guard.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid:**
- Avoid leaving too much space between your body and their hips; it can lead to them regaining guard.
- Don’t forget to control their far side hip or pants once you step around; this control is crucial in preventing their escape.
- Ensure your steps are deliberate and controlled to maintain balance and avoid being swept.
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