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IntermediateBack Step Pass
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Taught by:Nathan Merkle
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About This Technique
Back Step Pass
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the Back Step Pass is a dynamic guard-passing technique used to transition from an opponent's guard to a dominant position, often side control or north-south. It works effectively against variations of the open guard, such as half guard or butterfly guard.
Possible Position(s)
- Open Guard
- Half Guard
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Starting Position: Begin in your opponent's open or half guard.
- Ensure you have a stable base with your knees bent and feet firmly planted.
- Establish Control:
- Use your hands to control the opponent's knees, ensuring they cannot close their guard or bring their feet to your hips.
- Knee Across Their Body:
- Shift your weight to one side and use your far-side knee to cut across the opponent's body.
- Tip: Make sure your knee travels across their belt line, creating pressure and misalignment in their guard.
- Back-Step Motion:
- As your knee reaches the mat, create space by posting on your free hand.
- Swing your other leg in a wide arc behind you, maintaining control over one of their legs with your hand or underhooking it for additional control.
- This maneuver should scrape against their leg, preventing their ability to reestablish a solid guard.
- Settle Into Position:
- As you land after the back step, drop your hips low to solidify your position on top.
- Use your arms to widen and control their upper body to secure a firm side control or even transition to north-south position.
- Prevent Re-Guarding:
- Continuously manage your opponent's frames, preventing them from establishing grips that could aid in recovering their guard.
- Adjust your leg positions accordingly to ensure no unexpected sweeps or guard recovery attempts succeed.
Tips for Success
- Move Smoothly: Rapid and fluid motion can prevent the opponent from reacting effectively or setting up defenses.
- Guard Management: Maintain control over one of their legs throughout the transition to limit their options.
- Base Stability: Balancing your weight and maintaining a strong base reduces the opponent's chances to unsettle you.
Conclusion
The Back Step Pass is an effective tool for adding dynamism to your guard-passing game. It requires understanding of base, balance, and body mechanics to execute effectively against a resisting opponent, particularly in open or half guard scenarios.
How to Execute
# Back Step Pass from Open Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in your opponent's open guard. They are lying on their back with their legs and feet engaged, possibly controlling your sleeves, collar, or lapel, while you are in a combat stance on your feet.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Establish a grip on one of your opponent's ankles with your hand (preferably the same side as the ankle you are gripping), and use your other hand to control their opposite-side knee or pant leg. This control will help you manage their leg movement and set up the pass efficiently.
## Steps
1. **Establish Base and Control**: Start by maintaining a low, balanced stance. Grip your opponent's right ankle with your left hand, and use your right hand to control their left knee or pant leg. Ensure your weight is centered and knees slightly bent for stability.
2. **Initiate the Back Step**: With your grips secured, pivot on your left foot and step your right foot back and across your body, moving it to the outside of your opponent’s right leg. Your hips should turn in the direction of the back step, while your left hand continues to control the ankle.
3. **Lower Your Hips**: As you perform the back step, drop your hips towards the mat. This will help you maintain pressure and control over your opponent's legs, preventing them from recovering guard.
4. **Reach for Underhook**: With your right hand, reach across your opponent’s body to secure an underhook on their far arm (left side if you’re passing to your right). This underhook will prevent them from turning towards you and regaining guard.
5. **Establish Side Control**: After securing the underhook, continue to turn your hips and drive your weight into your opponent’s torso. Slide your left knee across their thighs, bringing your right knee to the mat near their hip. Your chest should be parallel to theirs, transitioning smoothly into side control.
6. **Control and Stabilize**: Once in side control, use your underhook to maintain control over their upper body, and adjust your grips as needed to secure the position. Keep your weight distributed evenly and stay heavy on top to prevent their escape attempts.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Maintain strong grips on the ankle and knee throughout the pass to control your opponent’s legs.
- Keep your hips low during the back step to apply pressure and prevent your opponent from countering.
- Secure a deep underhook as quickly as possible to dominate the upper body and finalize the pass.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Do not leave your hips too high, as this reduces pressure and allows your opponent to recompose guard or sweep.
- Avoid overcommitting your weight forward, which can lead to being off-balanced or swept.
- Ensure your underhook is solid; a weak underhook can result in losing control of your opponent’s upper body, allowing them to escape.
By following these steps and key points, you can effectively execute the Back Step Pass from Open Guard while maintaining control and pressure on your opponent.
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