Guard Passing
Guard passing is the art of getting past the bottom player's legs to a dominant pin. It splits broadly into pressure passing that flattens and smothers, and speed or floating passing that moves around the legs before they can connect.
Browse Guard Passing flowcharts in ExplorePressure versus speed
Pressure passers beat the guard by making it miserable to hold: heavy crossfaces, staple the legs, and grind through. Speed passers beat it by movement and timing, getting around the legs before the bottom player can off-balance them. Most complete passers can do both and switch based on the guard in front of them.
Pass to a pin, not just past the legs
A pass is not finished until you have a stable pin. The strongest passing games chain the pass directly into side control, knee-on-belly, or mount, and treat the bottom player's recovery attempts as the next branch rather than a surprise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best guard passing style?
Neither pressure nor speed is strictly better; they answer different guards. Pressure suits a heavier, methodical game, speed suits a mobile one, and strong passers blend the two.
How do I pass an open guard?
Beat the grips and hooks that off-balance you, control the hips or a leg to take away the bottom player's angle, then move to a pin. Forcing posture and connection before you move is the common thread.
Why do I get swept when I try to pass?
Usually because you commit your weight while the bottom player still controls a grip or hook. Clear their connection first, keep your base, and pass to a pin rather than lunging past the legs.
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