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Leg Weave Position Top | BJJ Position Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202519 min read

Leg Weave Position Top

bjjstateguard-passingtopadvanced

State Description

Leg Weave Position Top is an advanced guard passing position characterized by complex leg threading through the opponent’s guard structure, creating entanglement that collapses their defensive positioning and controls hip mobility for pass completion. With a point value of 0 (passing position, not yet scoring), this position is classified as highly offensive with primary focus on advancing to side control, mount, or north-south through technical leg weaving mechanics. It is particularly effective against defensive guard players who rely on frames and structure rather than mobility and inversions, providing unique solution when traditional pressure passes are defended.

This position emphasizes technical proficiency and coordination, requiring simultaneous leg threading, pressure application, and balance maintenance throughout execution. The leg weaving motion creates complex entanglement that defensive players struggle to manage while maintaining guard structure, with the woven leg controlling hip mobility and preventing guard recovery. When executed properly, the position offers multiple high-percentage outcomes including direct pass to side control (55-75% advanced), mount transition (45-65% advanced), and north-south control (50-70% advanced), making it versatile finishing platform for passes.

Leg Weave Position excels when the top player possesses developed technical skill, good balance during complex movements, and ability to maintain forward pressure throughout threading mechanics. The position’s strength lies in its unique approach to collapsing defensive structures—bypassing frames through entanglement rather than direct pressure. However, it carries significant vulnerabilities including balance compromise during threading, higher energy cost compared to simpler passes (20-30% more intensive), and vulnerability to opponent’s inversion attempts if not recognized early. The position demands respect for technical complexity and should be developed progressively as advanced passing option rather than fundamental approach.

Visual Description

You are in low crouch or driving forward position with one leg threading or fully woven through opponent’s guard structure, creating complex entanglement between your bodies. Your opponent is on their back with guard structure compromised or collapsed by your leg threading, legs partially controlled or entangled by your weaving motion. Your threaded leg is positioned through their guard controlling their hip line and mobility with your knee or thigh applying pressure, while your other leg is posted for balance and base. Your upper body maintains forward pressure with chest driving toward them, hands gripping gi or controlling body positions preventing defensive movements. Your weight is distributed between your woven leg, posted leg, and upper body connection maintaining constant forward momentum.

The spatial relationship creates tight proximity with limited space between players as weaving mechanics require close contact throughout execution. Your center of gravity is positioned low and forward maintaining balance despite complex leg positioning, with torso angled to drive pressure through woven leg position. The pressure distribution places controlling force through your woven leg on their hips while your chest pressure collapses their guard structure, preventing them from creating space for recovery or escape. Your head positioning maintains control preventing them from sitting up or inverting easily, though skilled opponents may still attempt defensive inversions.

This creates high-pressure passing environment where opponent must simultaneously defend entanglement, prevent pass completion, and manage multiple potential outcomes including side control, mount, and north-south, forcing reactive defense and limiting offensive options.

Key Principles

  • Leg Threading Mechanics and Balance: Successfully threading leg through guard while maintaining stable balance creates the entanglement that collapses defensive structures, requiring coordination between leg movement and weight distribution
  • Hip Control Through Entanglement: Woven leg position controls opponent’s hip mobility preventing guard recovery and creating immobilization that enables multiple passing outcomes
  • Constant Forward Pressure: Maintaining unrelenting chest and upper body pressure throughout weaving execution prevents opponent from creating space for inversion, escape, or guard recovery
  • Multiple Outcome Awareness: Understanding that weave can result in side control pass, mount transition, or north-south control based on opponent’s defensive reactions enables adaptive completion rather than forcing single option
  • Coordination Timing: Synchronizing leg threading, pressure application, and balance maintenance simultaneously requires developed proprioception and technical proficiency
  • Transition Recognition: Reading when weave is succeeding versus being effectively defended and converting to knee slice or alternative passes preserves passing momentum and prevents energy waste on failing techniques
  • Defensive Movement Following: When opponent inverts or turns exposing back during weave defense, following their movement with north-south or back control converts their escape attempt into positional advancement

Offensive Transitions

From this position, you can execute:

Guard Passes

  • Side Control via Complete Leg Weave Pass (Success Rate: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75%)

    • Thread leg completely through guard and drive forward pressure to side control when hip control is secured

  • Mount via Mount Transition from Weave (Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 65%)

    • Step over opponent’s body to mount when weave has fully collapsed their guard structure

  • North-South via North-South Transition (Success Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%)

    • Circle to north-south control when opponent’s defensive movement creates angle or inversion attempt

  • Side Control via Pressure Pass Conversion (Success Rate: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%)

    • Drive chest pressure through woven leg position completing pass when hip control allows

Position Advancements

  • Back Control via Backstep to Back Control (Success Rate: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 60%)

    • Backstep over leg capturing exposed back when opponent turns away during defensive rotation

  • Knee Cut Position via Knee Slice Transition (Success Rate: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%)

    • Convert weave to knee slice mechanics when threading is resisted or not progressing

Defensive Responses

When opponent has this position against you (you are bottom), available counters:

  • Closed Guard Bottom via Hip Escape Recovery (Success Rate: 45%)

    • Escape hips and recover guard before weave completes and pass is secured

  • Inverted Guard via Inversion to Guard (Success Rate: 40%)

    • Invert under passer’s weave and recover guard position through rotation

  • Deep Half Guard via Deep Half Entry (Success Rate: 35%)

    • Dive under passer’s weaving structure to establish deep half position

  • Top Position via Single Leg Attack (Success Rate: 30%)

    • Attack passer’s standing or posted leg during weave execution creating counter-opportunity

Decision Tree

If leg is fully woven through and hips are controlled:

  • Execute Complete Leg Weave Pass → Side Control (Probability: 55%)
    • Reasoning: Complete weave with hip control enables direct pass completion with high success rate
  • Or Execute Mount Transition from Weave → Mount (Probability: 45%)
    • Reasoning: Controlled position with collapsed guard allows stepping over for dominant mount positioning

Else if leg is woven but opponent maintains hip mobility:

Else if opponent inverts or turns exposing back:

Else (weave initiated but not complete):

Expert Insights

John Danaher: “Leg weave passing represents sophisticated approach to guard passing where complex entanglement collapses defensive structures that resist linear pressure passes. The position’s effectiveness derives from geometric control—your threaded leg creates hip immobilization while simultaneously compromising their guard structure’s integrity. Study the position hierarchically: leg weave when defensive frames prevent simpler passes, recognize multiple completion options based on opponent’s reactions, maintain pressure throughout to prevent inversion escapes. The technical demands are significant—balance during threading, coordination of pressure and movement, reading defensive patterns. But when mastered, leg weave provides solution to defensive structures other passes cannot penetrate. The key principle is controlled entanglement with purpose, not complex movement for its own sake.”

Gordon Ryan: “In competition, leg weave is my advanced option when opponent defends traditional pressure passes with strong frames. The threading motion bypasses their defensive structure creating passing opportunities that direct pressure alone won’t achieve. I focus heavily on the mount transition when their guard fully collapses—that’s the high-value outcome. If they start inverting during weave, I’m following to north-south or backstep to back control capturing their movement. The technical challenge is real—you need good balance and coordination. But against high-level defensive guard players, leg weave creates problems they struggle to solve. Train the complete position including all transition options, because your opponent’s defense determines which finish opens.”

Eddie Bravo: “Leg weave is part of advanced passing game that creates chaos in their guard through complex entanglement. I teach it as situational weapon rather than primary passing approach—when their frames are strong and traditional passes aren’t opening, weave gives you different angle. The creativity comes in reading their defensive reactions and flowing to best outcome: side control, mount, north-south, back control all available based on how they defend. It’s more applicable in gi where you can control their movements during threading, but no-gi weave works when you have good body control. Energy cost is real so don’t spam it—use strategically when situation calls for complex solution. And always be ready to convert to simpler passes like knee slice if weave gets resisted.”

Common Errors

Error: Losing balance during leg threading execution

  • Consequence: Balance compromise during threading creates vulnerability to sweeps, prevents effective pressure application (-20% modifier), and may result in failed weave with complete position loss. Technical execution fails when balance is lost.
  • Correction: Maintain low center of gravity during threading motion, distribute weight appropriately between weaving leg and upper body, use grips for stabilization, and thread progressively rather than attempting complete weave in single movement. Practice threading slowly developing balance awareness before adding resistance and speed.
  • Recognition: If you feel unstable or off-balance during weave, or if opponent can easily disrupt your position, balance is insufficient. Should maintain confident stable positioning throughout complex leg movement.

Error: Attempting weave without sufficient forward pressure

  • Consequence: Insufficient pressure allows opponent to create space for inversion or escape, enables guard recovery despite threading, and reduces weave effectiveness dramatically. Pressure and threading must occur simultaneously for success.
  • Correction: Maintain constant chest and upper body pressure driving forward throughout entire weaving motion. Think of pressure and threading as one unified action, not separate movements. Upper body drives while legs thread creating coordinated attack.
  • Recognition: If opponent has space to move or invert during your weave attempt, or if they can sit up easily, forward pressure is inadequate. Should feel like you’re driving them into mat continuously.

Error: Forcing weave when opponent successfully defends with mobility

  • Consequence: Stubbornly continuing weave against effective mobility defense wastes significant energy, telegraphs intention enabling better defensive positioning, and ignores better passing options like knee slice that may be available (-15% modifier on continued attempts).
  • Correction: Recognize within 5-10 seconds when opponent maintains hip mobility despite weave attempt and immediately convert to knee slice transition or establish controlling position to reset. Adaptation preserves energy and maintains passing momentum.
  • Recognition: If your weave attempts repeatedly fail to immobilize their hips, or if you feel like you’re fighting against their movement constantly, defense is succeeding. Convert to alternative pass rather than forcing failing technique.

Error: Not following opponent’s inversion with position transitions

  • Consequence: Allowing opponent to complete inversion without following enables guard recovery or escape, wastes positional advantage created by weave, and misses opportunity to capture back control or north-south. Their defensive movement should become your advancement.
  • Correction: Read inversion attempts early and follow their movement with north-south transition maintaining connection, or backstep to back control capturing exposed position. Practice recognizing inversion initiation and reacting proactively rather than waiting until completed.
  • Recognition: If opponent successfully inverts and recovers guard while you remain static, or if you lose connection during their rotation, you’re not following defensive movement. Should maintain contact throughout their inversion.

Error: Inadequate hip control through woven leg positioning

  • Consequence: Loose woven leg position without hip control allows opponent to maintain guard structure, prevents pass completion despite threading, and reduces effectiveness of entire position. Primary control mechanism fails when hip control is not secured.
  • Correction: Focus on using woven leg to actively control and immobilize opponent’s hip movement, not just threading through space. Create constant pressure through woven leg maintaining hip connection. Hip control is purpose of threading, not threading for its own sake.
  • Recognition: If opponent maintains significant hip mobility despite your woven leg position, or if their guard structure remains intact, hip control is insufficient. Should feel their hips immobilized by your leg positioning.

Error: Attempting weave against highly mobile invertors

  • Consequence: Mobile players with strong inversion capability can escape weave attempts through rotation before threading completes, making weave low-percentage option against this opponent type (-15% modifier). Wrong technique for specific defensive style.
  • Correction: Recognize opponent’s inversion capability early and choose alternative passes like knee slice or pressure passes that better address mobile defenders. Reserve weave for opponents who defend with structure and frames rather than mobility and inversions.
  • Recognition: If opponent repeatedly escapes your weave attempts through inversion, or if they clearly have high mobility and rotation capability, weave is suboptimal choice. Select passing style that matches their defensive characteristics.

Error: Neglecting grip control during complex threading motion

  • Consequence: Lost grips during threading eliminate connection enabling opponent disengagement, reduce control during complex movement, and prevent smooth transitions between positions. Technical execution compromised without grip foundation.
  • Correction: Maintain at least one strong grip throughout weaving motion, establish immediate replacement grip if one is lost, and use grips actively for stabilization and control during threading. Gi grips particularly important providing enhanced control (+10% modifier).
  • Recognition: If you feel disconnected from opponent during weave, or if they can move independently of your position, grip control is inadequate. Should maintain constant connection through grips and body pressure.

Training Drills

Drill 1: Leg Threading Mechanics Development

Partner in open guard provides static position (0% resistance). Practice threading leg through their guard slowly focusing exclusively on balance maintenance and smooth motion. Begin with partial threading (threading to knee level), progress to three-quarter threading, then complete weave. Hold stable position at each stage for 5 seconds developing proprioception. Perform 3-minute rounds with emphasis on feeling balanced and controlled throughout threading motion. Foundational drill for developing mechanics without pressure.

Drill 2: Pressure and Threading Coordination

Partner in open guard provides moderate resistance (50%). Practice coordinating upper body forward pressure simultaneously with leg threading motion. Focus on maintaining constant chest pressure while legs weave through guard. Partner provides feedback when pressure decreases during threading. Perform 4-minute rounds. Success metric: maintaining consistent forward pressure throughout entire threading sequence. Critical for developing unified pressure-threading coordination.

Drill 3: Pass Completion from Established Weave

Partner allows you to establish woven leg position with moderate control. Practice recognizing when to complete pass to side control versus transition to mount. Partner provides 25% resistance initially allowing both options, progress to 50% resistance with one option defended requiring proper choice. Emphasize decision-making based on guard collapse level and available paths. Perform 3-minute rounds developing outcome recognition skills.

Drill 4: Defensive Movement Following

Start in established leg weave. Partner executes specific defensive movements: (1) hip escape → follow with pressure pass conversion, (2) inversion → follow with north-south transition, (3) turning away → backstep to back control. Begin with partner calling out defense before executing (25% speed), progress to no verbal cues with realistic speed (75%). Perform 5-minute rounds. Develops reactive following of opponent’s defensive movements.

Drill 5: Live Weave Passing with Progressive Resistance

Start in opponent’s open guard. Attempt complete leg weave passing sequence with all transition options available. Partner provides progressive resistance over training weeks: (1) passive structure defense (25%), (2) active frame and mobility defense (50%), (3) offensive guard recovery and sweeps (75%), (4) full competition resistance (100%). Perform 5-minute rounds. Integrates all skills in increasingly realistic context developing complete weave passing game.

  • Open Guard Top - Entry position from which leg weave is typically initiated during guard passing
  • Knee Cut Position - Primary conversion position when weave threading is resisted or defended
  • Side Control - Terminal position achieved through successful leg weave pass completion
  • Mount - Alternative terminal position accessed by stepping over from collapsed guard
  • North-South - Control position accessed by circling during opponent’s defensive movements
  • Back Control - Opportunistic position available when opponent inverts or turns exposing back
  • Smash Pass Position - Related pressure-based passing with similar guard collapse emphasis

Optimal Submission Paths

Fastest path to dominance (mount): Leg Weave Position Top → Mount → Armbar Finish → Won by Submission Reasoning: Direct mount transition when weave fully collapses guard structure provides dominant position with multiple high-percentage submissions. Mount from weave (45-65% success advanced) leads to armbar, cross collar, or other mount attacks. Fastest to dominant finishing position when guard collapse is complete.

High-percentage path (systematic): Leg Weave Position Top → Side Control → Mount Control → Submission Chain → Won by Submission Reasoning: More reliable pass completion to side control (55-75% success advanced), progression through positional hierarchy to mount. Systematic approach controlling each stage before advancing. Emphasizes position-over-submission progression.

Alternative path (north-south): Leg Weave Position Top → North-South → North-South to Kimura → Won by Submission Reasoning: When opponent inverts or creates defensive movement, follow with north-south transition maintaining connection. North-south provides kimura, choke, and other finishing options. Different geometric approach when inversion occurs.

Back take path (opportunistic): Leg Weave Position Top → Backstep to Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: When opponent turns away exposing back during weave defense, backstep captures dominant back control (40-60% success advanced). Direct path to highest-value position with rear naked choke. Requires recognition of back exposure timing.

Control-focused path (pressure): Leg Weave Position Top → Pressure Pass Conversion → Side Control Consolidation → Mount → Submission Chain → Won by Submission Reasoning: Driving pressure through established weave completes pass when hip control allows. Methodical progression through side control to mount emphasizing retention. Most reliable for competition when positional points and control security are priorities.

Timing Considerations

Best Times to Enter:

  • When opponent plays open guard with legs separated creating threading opportunity
  • After traditional pressure passes are defended with strong frame structures
  • When opponent’s guard structure appears vulnerable to entanglement
  • During transitions when guard position is temporarily disrupted

Best Times to Attack:

  • When leg is fully woven with secure hip control (pass completion timing)
  • When opponent’s guard structure collapses under threading pressure (mount transition timing)
  • During opponent’s inversion attempt (north-south or back control opportunity)
  • When hip escaping movement creates passing lanes (pressure conversion timing)

Vulnerable Moments:

  • During initial leg threading when balance is momentarily compromised
  • When attempting weave against highly mobile invertors
  • If grips are lost during complex threading motion
  • When weaving leg becomes entangled without forward progress
  • During transition between weave and alternative passes if commitment is unclear

Fatigue Factors:

  • Complex leg threading drains coordination and balance energy significantly
  • Maintaining pressure while weaving requires sustained upper body engagement
  • Position more energy-intensive (20-30% more) than simpler passing options
  • Multiple failed weave attempts deplete energy reserves rapidly
  • Typically short-lived (1-2 minutes) before resolution due to intensity demands

Competition Considerations

Point Scoring: Leg weave is passing position (0 points) but provides paths to multiple scoring positions: side control pass (3 points IBJJF), mount (4 points), back control (4 points). Mount and back transitions from weave offer highest point values. Effective for building significant point advantages through dominant position achievements.

Time Management: Position resolves relatively quickly (1-2 minutes typical) through pass completion or guard retention due to high intensity demands. Early in match, can be used aggressively when energy is fresh. Late in match when ahead, simpler passes may be preferable due to energy conservation needs. Monitor energy expenditure carefully.

Rule Set Adaptations: In gi competition, pants and gi grips provide excellent control during threading motion enhancing weave effectiveness (+10% modifier). In no-gi, leg weave requires better body control without grip assistance making it more challenging. Under IBJJF rules, ensure threading motion doesn’t create leg reaping penalties. Under ADCC or submission-only, aggressive weave with mount finish provides immediate dominance.

Competition Strategy: Use leg weave as advanced option when opponent defends traditional passes with strong frames and structure. Position provides unique solution bypassing linear defenses. Against mobile invertors, alternative passes may be more effective. Develop weave as part of complete passing system rather than primary approach. Reserve for situations where technical solution is needed. Mount transition from weave offers high-value outcome justifying energy investment. Monitor opponent’s defensive style—weave excels against structural defenders, struggles against mobile invertors.

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