What a BJJ game plan is
A game plan is your answer to the few situations every roll comes down to: how you start, what you do underneath, how you pass, where you pin, and what you finish from there. Written as a flowchart, each branch says what the other person does, so you know your next move instead of guessing mid-roll.
A simple game plan template
| Phase | The question | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Start | How do you get the match where you want it? | Wrestle for a takedown, or pull to half guard |
| Guard | What do you do when you end up underneath? | Half guard: win the underhook, then come up or take the back |
| Pass | How do you get past their legs? | Knee cut with a crossface and underhook |
| Pin | Where do you hold them? | Side control, then mount |
| Finish | What do you finish, and when? | Armbar when they push, choke when they give their back |
Making it work
- Build it from what already works for you in rolling, not from highlight reels.
- Have one answer for each situation. A second option is for when the first one gets shut down.
- Label each branch with what they do, like "they post a hand", so the plan reads as a reaction.
- Test it in positional sparring from each phase before you compete.
- Update it after every competition or hard week of training.
Positions you can build from
Each option in the builder has its own page with techniques and community flows.
Frequently asked questions
What is a game plan in BJJ?
Your plan for the situations every roll or match comes down to: how you start, what you do from bottom, how you pass, where you pin, and what you finish. It turns a roll from reacting into running something you've practiced.
How do I make a BJJ game plan?
Pick one answer for each phase: start, guard, pass, pin, and finish. Connect them with what the other person does at each step. The builder here does that in a minute and gives you a flowchart you can edit.
Should white belts have a game plan?
A simple one helps. One guard, one pass, one pin, and one or two finishes gives you something to work on every roll, and shows you where the gaps are.
How many techniques should a game plan have?
Fewer than you think. One answer per phase plus a backup for your most common spot is plenty. You can add branches as they start working in rolling.