The Double Under Pass is a fundamental pressure-based guard passing technique that relies on establishing bilateral underhooks beneath the opponent’s legs. This pass is characterized by its heavy control orientation, making it extremely difficult for the opponent to retain guard once proper positioning is achieved. The technique involves methodically breaking down the opponent’s defensive frames, consolidating position with chest-to-chest pressure, and using controlled lateral movement to clear the legs and establish side control.
Historically favored by top-position specialists and pressure passers, the Double Under Pass represents a cornerstone technique in the modern guard passing hierarchy. Unlike dynamic, explosive passing techniques, this pass emphasizes sustained pressure, weight distribution, and positional dominance. The bilateral underhook configuration neutralizes many of the opponent’s defensive options, particularly hip movement and leg frame creation, forcing them into a defensive shell where their offensive options are severely limited.
The Double Under Pass is particularly effective in gi grappling where grips can be used to enhance control, though it remains highly viable in no-gi competition. Advanced practitioners use this pass as part of a comprehensive passing system, often combining it with headquarters position, knee slice variations, and other pressure-based attacks to create multiple layers of offensive threat. The technique’s reliability stems from its fundamental soundness—when executed correctly, the opponent must defend against immense pressure while having limited mechanical advantages to create distance or recover guard.
From Position: Open Guard (Top) Success Rate: 68%
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Side Control | 75% |
| Failure | Open Guard | 15% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 10% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute technique | Prevent or counter |
| Key Principles | Establish bilateral underhooks deep beneath opponent’s legs … | Prevent underhook establishment through early frames on the … |
| Options | 7 execution steps | 4 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
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Establish bilateral underhooks deep beneath opponent’s legs before advancing
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Maintain constant chest-to-chest pressure to limit opponent’s hip mobility
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Control opponent’s upper body by driving their shoulders to the mat
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Use small, controlled steps rather than explosive movements to prevent scrambles
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Keep your hips low and heavy throughout the pass to maximize pressure
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Clear one leg at a time using lateral movement while maintaining underhook control
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Consolidate position completely before releasing underhooks to establish side control
Execution Steps
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Establish first underhook: From open guard top position, begin by breaking any grips the opponent has on your upper body using …
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Establish second underhook: With the first underhook secure, immediately work to establish the second underhook beneath the oppo…
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Consolidate chest pressure: Once both underhooks are established, drop your full chest weight onto the opponent’s hips and thigh…
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Control upper body: While maintaining the underhook control and chest pressure, use your head and shoulder position to d…
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Begin lateral movement: With heavy chest pressure established and the opponent’s upper body controlled, begin taking small l…
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Clear the legs: As you continue your lateral movement, focus on clearing the opponent’s legs one at a time. The bott…
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Establish side control: Once both legs are cleared and you are perpendicular to the opponent’s body, transition from the dou…
Common Mistakes
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Standing too upright during the pass attempt
- Consequence: Opponent can easily frame on your hips or shoulders to create distance, preventing you from establishing or maintaining the double under position
- Correction: Keep your hips low and heavy throughout the entire passing sequence. Your chest should be driving downward onto the opponent’s body, not allowing any vertical space that they could exploit with frames
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Establishing shallow underhooks that don’t reach behind opponent’s back
- Consequence: Opponent can extract their legs easily and recover guard, or they can use frames against your arms to create separation
- Correction: Swim your underhooks deeply until your hands reach behind the opponent’s back, ideally clasping together. Your elbows should be on the inside of their thighs with maximum depth achieved
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Moving too quickly or explosively during the lateral stepping phase
- Consequence: Creates scrambles where the opponent can use momentum to recover guard, potentially achieving closed guard or butterfly hooks during the transition
- Correction: Use slow, controlled lateral steps while maintaining constant chest pressure. Speed is not the goal—control and sustained pressure are paramount. Take small steps and ensure pressure is maintained throughout
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
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Prevent underhook establishment through early frames on the passer’s biceps and shoulders before they can swim underneath
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Maintain active hip movement at all times—never accept a flat, square position under double under pressure
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Use feet on hips as the primary distance management tool to deny the passer chest-to-chest contact
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Prioritize recovering guard or creating angles rather than fighting the pressure head-on with strength
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Address the passer’s head position—pushing their head to one side weakens their ability to apply even pressure
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Insert a knee or shin frame early to prevent full leg clearing, recovering half guard as an intermediate position
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Time defensive movements to the passer’s transitions rather than fighting against settled, heavy pressure
Recognition Cues
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Passer drops their level and begins swimming one arm under your thigh, typically breaking your sleeve or collar grip simultaneously—this signals the initial underhook attempt
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Passer’s head drops below your shoulder line and drives toward one side of your body while their arms work beneath your legs—this indicates they are committing to the double under entry
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You feel your hips being lifted or compressed as the passer clasps hands behind your lower back and begins dropping chest weight—this means both underhooks are established and immediate action is required
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Passer begins small lateral steps while maintaining heavy chest contact—this signals the leg clearing phase has begun and escape windows are closing rapidly
Defensive Options
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Frame on biceps and push hips away to prevent underhook establishment - When: At the earliest sign of the passer attempting to swim an arm underneath your leg—this is the highest-percentage defense when applied before the first underhook is secured
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Lock closed guard by crossing ankles behind passer’s back before they consolidate pressure - When: When the passer has established one or both underhooks but has not yet dropped full chest pressure or clasped hands—you must act before they lock their grip
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Hip escape and insert knee shield to recover half guard - When: When the passer has consolidated double under control and begins lateral movement to clear your legs—insert your near-side knee across their hip line as they step
Position Integration
The double under pass is a cornerstone technique within the pressure passing system and integrates seamlessly with several fundamental BJJ positions and concepts. It most commonly initiates from open guard top positions, particularly when the opponent is using butterfly guard, de la riva variations, or seated guard positions. The technique serves as an excellent complement to the headquarters passing system—many practitioners establish a single underhook in headquarters position and then transition to double under when appropriate. Once side control is achieved via the double under pass, the natural progressions include maintaining side control for submissions (kimura, americana, arm triangle), transitioning to mount, or advancing to knee on belly for increased control and submission opportunities. The pass also chains effectively with other pressure-based techniques like the smash pass, over-under pass, and body lock pass, creating a comprehensive pressure passing system where if one technique is defended, another becomes available. Understanding the double under pass’s position within this larger framework allows practitioners to develop a cohesive top game where pressure is constantly applied through multiple passing strategies. The technique also exemplifies the fundamental principle of position before submission, as it prioritizes overwhelming positional control before considering any offensive attacks.