BJJ Graph

Long Step Position Top | BJJ Position Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202519 min read

Long Step Position Top

bjjstateguard-passingtopintermediate

State Description

Long Step Position Top is a standing guard passing position characterized by extended leg stance where one leg steps far outside the opponent’s legs, creating distance and leg clearing for direct pass completion to side control. With a point value of 0 (passing position, not yet scoring), this position is classified as offensive with primary focus on advancing to side control while maintaining versatile transition options. It is particularly effective against open guard players who extend legs creating distance and provides systematic approach to leg clearing and pass completion.

This position emphasizes distance management and leg clearing mechanics through extended stance positioning. The long step creates hip line control preventing guard recovery while clearing opponent’s legs for pass completion. When direct pass is defended through frames or defensive structures, the position offers high-percentage transitions to knee slice, leg drag, or headquarters control, making it versatile passing platform rather than single-option attack. The grip control throughout long step execution provides connection enabling transitions and preventing opponent disengagement.

Long Step Position excels when the top player maintains balance in extended stance while controlling distance and grip connection. The position’s strength lies in its versatility—providing direct pass when legs clear and multiple transition options when defended. However, it becomes vulnerable during initial step when balance is momentary on one leg, when opponent establishes strong shin shield frames, or when bottom players dive under for deep guard entries. The position carries medium energy cost due to standing base requirements and is typically short-lived (1-2 minutes) before resolution through pass completion or guard recovery.

Visual Description

You are standing or in low crouch position with one leg stepped far outside opponent’s legs in extended stance, creating significant distance and lateral displacement from their center line. Your opponent is on their back with legs partially engaged or cleared, unable to fully recover closed guard due to distance and your positioning. Your extended leg is positioned outside their legs controlling their hip line with knee or thigh, while your base leg is planted wide providing stability and balance. Your hands maintain grip control on their pants, belt, or collar depending on gi or no-gi, providing connection despite distance. Your weight is distributed between your feet and your hands/arms which frame or control opponent’s knees or hips.

The spatial relationship creates distance barrier where opponent cannot close gap to recover full guard while your extended stance clears their leg position for passing. Your center of gravity is positioned over your base points maintaining balance despite extended stance, with torso angled forward for pressure application but not overcommitted. The pressure distribution places control through your extended leg on their hip line and your grips maintaining connection, while base leg stabilizes entire structure. Your head positioning tracks opponent’s movement preparing for forward drive to pass or lateral transitions to alternative passing styles.

This creates dynamic passing environment where opponent must simultaneously defend multiple passing threats while attempting guard recovery, forcing defensive priority and limiting offensive options.

Key Principles

  • Distance and Leg Clearing: Extended leg stance creates distance preventing guard recovery while clearing opponent’s leg positioning, providing primary mechanism for pass completion through geometric control
  • Grip Control Throughout Movement: Maintaining pants/belt/collar grips during long step execution provides connection preventing opponent disengagement and enabling smooth transitions between passing styles
  • Balance and Base Maintenance: Stable base with wide foot positioning prevents off-balancing during extended stance, enabling pressure application when pass opens and safety during transitions
  • Versatile Transition Options: Understanding when to complete long step versus transitioning to knee slice, leg drag, or headquarters based on defensive structures preserves passing momentum and adapts to opponent’s defense
  • Hip Line Control: Extended leg positioning controls opponent’s hip line preventing lateral movement and guard recovery, creating geometric constraint on their defensive options
  • Forward Pressure Timing: Applying forward pressure at correct moment when legs are fully clear achieves pass while avoiding premature commitment that creates escape opportunities
  • Defensive Structure Recognition: Reading opponent’s frames, diving attempts, or hip escapes early enables proactive transition choices rather than reactive scrambling after defenses succeed

Offensive Transitions

From this position, you can execute:

Guard Passes

  • Side Control via Complete Long Step Pass (Success Rate: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%)

    • Clear legs completely and drive forward establishing side control when path is open with no defensive frames

  • Knee Cut Position via Transition to Knee Slice (Success Rate: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%)

    • Convert long step to knee slice mechanics when opponent establishes shin shield or knee frame

  • Top Position via Stack Pass Entry (Success Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%)

    • Drive forward with stacking pressure when opponent squares hips or creates tight defensive structure

  • Leg Drag Position via Leg Drag Transition (Success Rate: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%)

    • Control near leg and transition to leg drag passing when opponent uses leg for framing or escaping

  • Back Control via Backstep Pass (Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%)

    • Backstep over leg when opponent turns away exposing back during defensive movement

Control Positions

  • Headquarters Position (Success Rate: Beginner 55%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%)
    • Establish headquarters control when guard is retained, providing stable platform for methodical passing continuation

Defensive Responses

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

  • Knee Shield Half Guard via Shin Shield Recovery (Success Rate: 50%)

    • Establish shin shield frame against passer’s torso preventing pass completion and creating guard retention structure

  • Deep Half Guard via Deep Half Entry (Success Rate: 40%)

    • Dive under passer’s hips exploiting space created by extended stance to achieve deep half position

  • Closed Guard Bottom via Inversion Recovery (Success Rate: 35%)

    • Invert under passer and recover closed guard by closing distance they created

  • Single Leg X Guard via Single Leg X Entry (Success Rate: 45%)

    • Establish single leg X hooks on passer’s extended leg converting their stance into guard position

Decision Tree

If legs are clear and path to side control is open:

  • Execute Complete Long Step Pass → Side Control (Probability: 60%)
    • Reasoning: Clear leg position with no frames enables direct pass completion with high success rate
  • Or Execute Stack Pass Entry → Top Position (Probability: 50%)
    • Reasoning: Forward driving pressure secures pass when geometric obstacles are cleared

Else if opponent establishes shin shield or knee frame:

Else if opponent attempts to dive under or recover deep position:

  • Execute Headquarters Position (Probability: 70%)
    • Reasoning: Sprawl and headquarters control prevents deep guard entries and provides stable passing platform
  • Or Execute Stack Pass Entry → Top Position (Probability: 50%)
    • Reasoning: Forward pressure prevents diving motion by closing space they need

Else (opponent defending but legs not clear):

Expert Insights

John Danaher: “Long step passing represents distance-based guard passing where geometric control of hip line prevents guard recovery while clearing leg position for pass completion. The position’s sophistication lies not in single technique but in systematic approach: attempt dynamic long step pass, recognize when frame structures require transition to knee slice or leg drag, establish headquarters control when guard is retained. Study the hip line control principle—your extended leg position creates geometric constraint preventing their lateral movement and guard closure. The transition recognition is critical: forcing failing long step wastes energy, while proactive adaptation to knee slice or headquarters maintains passing momentum. Balance and grip control throughout movement enable all transitions.”

Gordon Ryan: “In competition, long step is my go-to when opponent plays distance-based open guard. The key is maintaining grip control as you step—those grips enable all your transitions. I focus on the knee slice transition when they establish frames, because knee slice cuts through defensive structures better than forcing long step. Headquarters is your reset button when passes aren’t opening—establish control, be patient, wait for better moment. Against high-level players, long step creates passing opportunities through leg clearing mechanics that pressure passing alone won’t achieve. Train the transitions extensively because your opponent will defend the initial pass—your backup options determine your success rate.”

Eddie Bravo: “Long step is part of distance management game in passing. I teach it as entry to multiple passing styles rather than isolated technique. The creativity comes in reading their defense and flowing between long step, knee slice, leg drag seamlessly. When they establish shin shield, boom, you’re cutting the knee. When they try deep half, boom, you’re sprawling into headquarters. It’s all about being unpredictable and keeping them defending multiple threats. The position works great in no-gi when grip control focuses on leg positioning and body connection. Don’t get stuck on completing one pass—the system is the strength, not any single technique.”

Common Errors

Error: Overextending the long step beyond control range

  • Consequence: Excessive extension creates balance vulnerability on base leg, reduces ability to recover if off-balanced, and creates space that enables deep half guard entries. Overcommitment makes position less stable and harder to maintain.
  • Correction: Step with controlled range maintaining balance over base leg throughout movement. Extended stance should feel stable with ability to adjust positioning. Practice progressively increasing step length as balance improves. If balance feels compromised, reduce step length.
  • Recognition: If you feel unstable on base leg, or if opponent easily off-balances you during long step, extension is too far. Should maintain confident balance throughout movement.

Error: Losing grip control during long step execution

  • Consequence: Lost grips enable opponent to disengage and recover guard, eliminate connection needed for transitions, and reduce passing success dramatically (-20% modifier). All passing options become significantly less effective without grip control.
  • Correction: Prioritize grip maintenance as first priority during long step execution, adjust grip positions as needed during movement rather than releasing completely, and establish immediate replacement grip if one is lost. Grip control enables all transitions.
  • Recognition: If opponent is able to move away or change angles freely, or if your transitions feel disconnected and awkward, grip control is insufficient. Should feel constant connection throughout position.

Error: Forcing long step pass against established shin shield frames

  • Consequence: Driving forward into shin shield frame wastes energy without progress, telegraphs intention enabling better defense, and ignores better passing option (knee slice) that bypasses frame. Stubbornness reduces overall passing effectiveness.
  • Correction: Immediately recognize shin shield establishment and transition to knee slice mechanics rather than forcing long step. Knee slice cuts through frames that block long step path. Adapt to their defense proactively rather than forcing failing technique.
  • Recognition: If you’re pushing into their frame repeatedly without progress, or if you feel stuck against their knee/shin, you’re forcing failing pass. Transition recognition should occur within 1-2 seconds of frame establishment.

Error: Failing to establish headquarters when guard is retained

  • Consequence: Attempting repeated long step passes without stable control platform wastes energy, gives opponent recovery time between attempts, and ignores position that provides methodical passing continuation. Lack of headquarters limits passing system completeness.
  • Correction: Establish headquarters control after failed long step attempt rather than immediately trying same pass again. Headquarters provides stable platform enabling better passing moment recognition and energy conservation. Think systematically: attempt dynamic pass, establish control if retained, continue methodically.
  • Recognition: If you’re repeatedly attempting long step without success and feeling fatigued, or if opponent is recovering between your attempts, you need headquarters control. Should establish stable position rather than continuous failed attempts.

Error: Inadequate balance and base during extended stance

  • Consequence: Poor balance creates sweep vulnerability, reduces pressure application capability, prevents smooth transitions between passing styles, and signals instability to opponent. Unstable base undermines all passing attempts from long step platform.
  • Correction: Plant base foot wide for maximum stability, distribute weight appropriately between feet and hands/arms, maintain center of gravity over base points, and practice long step stance repeatedly to develop proprioception. Balance is foundational requirement.
  • Recognition: If you feel unstable or wobbly during long step, or if opponent can easily off-balance you with minimal effort, base and balance are insufficient. Should feel confident and stable throughout movement.

Error: Ignoring opponent’s diving attempts for deep guard

  • Consequence: Opponent successfully enters deep half or single leg X when diving attempts are not recognized and countered, creating defensive scramble situation and losing passing advantage. Deep entries can completely reverse positional advantages.
  • Correction: Read diving attempts early by observing opponent’s hip elevation and movement toward your legs. Immediately sprawl into headquarters or drive stack pass forward preventing them from getting under your center of gravity. Proactive recognition prevents deep entries.
  • Recognition: If opponent repeatedly gets deep underneath you, or if you’re scrambling defensively after their entries, you’re not reading diving attempts early enough. Should recognize and counter before they achieve depth.

Error: Maintaining long step position too long without resolution

  • Consequence: Extended standing position drains leg endurance, gives opponent time to develop better defensive structures, and wastes the temporary advantage long step creates. Position is transitional and should resolve relatively quickly.
  • Correction: Commit to pass completion, transition to alternative passing style, or establish headquarters within 10-20 seconds of achieving long step. Don’t maintain stance indefinitely without progress. Make decision and execute.
  • Recognition: If you’re holding long step stance for extended time (30+ seconds) without attempting pass or transition, and feeling leg fatigue building, position is being maintained too long. Should resolve more quickly through action.

Training Drills

Drill 1: Long Step Entry and Balance Development

Start standing in closed guard. Partner opens guard and you execute long step entry, focusing exclusively on balance maintenance and stable base positioning. Begin with small step length (25% range), progress to medium (50%), then full extension (100%). Hold stable long step stance for 10 seconds at each position. Partner provides no resistance initially, then adds light pressure testing balance (25%), then moderate testing (50%). Perform 3-minute rounds with emphasis on feeling stable throughout full extension. Develops proprioception and confidence in extended stance.

Drill 2: Grip Control During Movement

Partner in open guard position provides various leg configurations. You execute long step while maintaining constant grip control on pants/belt/collar throughout movement. Partner attempts to strip grips or create distance (50% resistance). Focus on grip adjustment and maintenance rather than pass completion. When grip is lost, reset and repeat. Perform 4-minute rounds. Success metric: maintaining at least one control grip throughout entire long step execution. Critical for transition capability.

Drill 3: Pass Completion from Clear Legs

Partner in open guard allows you to achieve long step with clear legs (no defensive frames). Practice recognizing clear position and immediately driving forward to complete pass to side control. Begin with partner static (0% resistance), progress to partner creating light frames requiring adjustment (25%), then partner attempting late recovery (50%). Emphasize recognizing clear position and committing to pass without hesitation. Perform 3-minute rounds. Develops recognition and commitment timing.

Drill 4: Transition Flow to Knee Slice and Leg Drag

Start in established long step position. Partner establishes specific defensive structures: (1) shin shield frame → transition to knee slice, (2) hip escape movement → transition to leg drag, (3) diving attempt → establish headquarters. Practice smooth technical transitions rather than forcing original pass. Begin with partner calling out defense (25% resistance), progress to no verbal cues with realistic defense (75%). Perform 5-minute rounds. Develops adaptive transition skills.

Drill 5: Live Long Step Passing with Progression

Start standing in opponent’s open guard. Attempt complete long step passing sequence with all transition options available. Partner provides progressive resistance: (1) passive defense (25%), (2) active defense with frames and movement (50%), (3) offensive defense with guard recovery attempts and sweeps (75%), (4) full competition resistance (100%). Progress through resistance levels over weeks of training. Perform 5-minute rounds. Integrates all skills in realistic context with increasing challenge.

  • Standing Position - Entry position from which long step is typically initiated during guard passing
  • Headquarters Position - Control position established when long step is defended, providing stable passing platform
  • Knee Cut Position - Primary transition when shin shield frames block long step path, utilizing knee slice mechanics
  • Leg Drag Position - Alternative transition utilizing opponent’s leg positioning during long step
  • Side Control - Terminal position achieved through successful long step pass completion
  • Smash Pass Position - Related pressure-based passing position with similar leg clearing emphasis

Optimal Submission Paths

Fastest path to control (direct): Long Step Position Top → Side Control → Mount → Submission Chain → Won by Submission Reasoning: Direct pass completion to side control when legs are clear, progression through dominant positions to mount. Fast when geometric obstacles are cleared (60-75% success advanced). Mount provides multiple high-percentage submissions.

High-percentage path (systematic): Long Step Position Top → Headquarters Position → Knee Cut Position → Side Control → Mount → Submission Chain → Won by Submission Reasoning: When direct pass is defended, establish headquarters control for stable platform, transition to knee slice pass, progress through positions. More reliable through systematic approach controlling each stage. Emphasizes position-over-submission progression.

Alternative path (transition-based): Long Step Position Top → Leg Drag Position → Side Control → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: Transition to leg drag when opponent uses leg for framing, achieve side control, progress to back exposure. Different geometric approach providing alternative when long step angle is defended.

Back take path (opportunistic): Long Step Position Top → Backstep Pass → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: When opponent turns away defending long step pass, backstep over exposed back is available. Direct path to dominant back control (30-60% success depending on opponent’s reaction). Requires recognition of back exposure timing.

Control-focused path (methodical): Long Step Position Top → Headquarters Position → Knee Cut Position → Side Control Consolidation → Mount Control → Armbar Finish → Won by Submission Reasoning: Systematic progression through control positions emphasizing retention at each stage before advancing. Most reliable for competition when points and position security are priorities. Each transition solidified before progression.

Timing Considerations

Best Times to Enter:

  • When opponent opens closed guard creating distance
  • After standing up in closed or open guard position
  • When opponent plays distance-based open guard with extended legs
  • During transitions when guard structure is temporarily disrupted

Best Times to Attack:

  • When legs are fully cleared with no defensive frames (pass completion timing)
  • When opponent’s frames are first established (transition to knee slice timing)
  • During opponent’s hip escape movement (leg drag opportunity)
  • When opponent begins diving motion for deep guard (headquarters sprawl timing)

Vulnerable Moments:

  • During initial long step when balance is momentarily on one leg
  • When grip control is being adjusted or re-established
  • If opponent successfully establishes strong shin shield frame before recognition
  • During transition between passing styles if commitment is unclear

Fatigue Factors:

  • Standing extended stance drains leg endurance more than grounded positions
  • Multiple failed long step attempts deplete explosive energy for transitions
  • Balance maintenance requires constant core and leg engagement
  • Position typically short-lived (1-2 minutes) before resolution through pass or guard recovery

Competition Considerations

Point Scoring: Long step is passing position (0 points) but provides direct path to side control pass (3 points IBJJF) or back take (4 points). Effective for building points through successful passing. When pass completion seems difficult, headquarters control enables methodical approach maintaining passing pressure.

Time Management: Position resolves relatively quickly (1-2 minutes typical) through pass completion or guard retention. Early in match, can be used aggressively for pass attempts. Late in match when ahead, headquarters from long step provides stable control minimizing risk.

Rule Set Adaptations: In gi competition, pants grips provide excellent control during long step execution. In no-gi, grip control focuses on leg positioning and body connection requiring different mechanics. Under IBJJF rules, backstep opportunities must avoid leg reaping penalties. Under ADCC or submission-only, aggressive passing from long step is encouraged.

Competition Strategy: Use long step when opponent plays distance-based open guard, as position exploits their leg extension. Transition versatility (knee slice, leg drag, headquarters) makes it reliable passing system rather than single-option attack. Against defensive guard players, headquarters from long step provides stable platform for patient methodical passing. Monitor energy expenditure—don’t waste effort forcing failing long step when transitions offer better paths.

Graph View

Backlinks