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)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Double Under Pass?
- Establish bilateral underhooks deep beneath opponent’s legs before advancing
- Maintain constant chest-to-chest pressure to limit opponent’s hip mobility
- Control opponent’s upper body by driving their shoulders to the mat
- Use small, controlled steps rather than explosive movements to prevent scrambles
- Keep your hips low and heavy throughout the pass to maximize pressure
- Clear one leg at a time using lateral movement while maintaining underhook control
- Consolidate position completely before releasing underhooks to establish side control
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Double Under Pass?
- Opponent is in open guard (butterfly, de la riva, or seated guard variations)
- Ability to break opponent’s grips and frames on your upper body
- Posture broken down with opponent’s back approaching the mat
- Space created to swim underhooks beneath opponent’s legs
- Strong base with knees wide and hips dropped for pressure application
- Control over opponent’s ability to create distance or stand up
Execution Steps
How do you execute Double Under Pass step by step?
- Establish first underhook: From open guard top position, begin by breaking any grips the opponent has on your upper body using grip breaks or hand fighting. Drop your weight forward slightly and swim your first arm deep underneath one of the opponent’s legs, achieving an underhook position with your elbow on the inside of their thigh. Your hand should reach across their body toward the opposite hip, establishing a deep hook that prevents them from easily extracting their leg.
- Establish second underhook: With the first underhook secure, immediately work to establish the second underhook beneath the opponent’s other leg. This requires you to drop your chest pressure onto their hips and legs while swimming your second arm underneath. Both hands should now be behind the opponent’s body, with your forearms crossed or parallel beneath their legs. This bilateral underhook configuration is the foundation of the entire pass.
- Consolidate chest pressure: Once both underhooks are established, drop your full chest weight onto the opponent’s hips and thighs, driving them toward the mat. Your head should be positioned on one side of their body (typically the side you plan to pass toward), with your ear near their ribcage or shoulder area. Lock your hands together behind their back if possible, creating a tight grip that prevents separation. This pressure should be overwhelming and constant, making it extremely difficult for them to create space or move their hips.
- Control upper body: While maintaining the underhook control and chest pressure, use your head and shoulder position to drive the opponent’s upper body to the mat. Your head should apply pressure to their chest or shoulder, preventing them from sitting up or creating frames. If they attempt to post on your head or shoulders with their hands, use your superior position to drive through these frames, keeping their back flat or nearly flat to the mat. This upper body control is essential for neutralizing their defensive capabilities.
- Begin lateral movement: With heavy chest pressure established and the opponent’s upper body controlled, begin taking small lateral steps with your feet toward the direction you intend to pass. Your hips should remain low and heavy, with your knees wide for base. As you step laterally, the opponent’s bottom leg (the one on the mat side) will begin to clear past your hip. Continue this controlled lateral movement while maintaining constant pressure—do not rush or make explosive movements that could allow the opponent to create space.
- Clear the legs: As you continue your lateral movement, focus on clearing the opponent’s legs one at a time. The bottom leg should clear first as you move your hips past it. The top leg may require you to slightly adjust your chest pressure, potentially posting your near-side leg out to create the angle needed to slide past. Throughout this clearing process, maintain your underhook grips and chest-to-chest pressure. Do not allow any space to develop between your chest and the opponent’s body.
- Establish side control: Once both legs are cleared and you are perpendicular to the opponent’s body, transition from the double under grips to traditional side control controls. Release your hands from behind their back and immediately establish cross-face control with your near arm while your far arm underhooks their far arm or controls their hip. Your chest should still be heavy on their torso, and your hips should sprawl backward to prevent any guard recovery attempts. Consolidate your weight and pressure fully before considering any subsequent attacks or transitions.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Side Control | 75% |
| Failure | Open Guard | 15% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 10% |
Opponent Counters
How might your opponent counter Double Under Pass?
- Opponent frames on your head and neck to create distance (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Drive through their frames by lowering your head position and increasing chest pressure while circling toward the side of the frame. Do not allow them to create vertical space—instead, keep your weight dropping down onto them continuously. → Leads to Open Guard
- Opponent grabs your belt or pants to prevent forward pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Circle your hips and use lateral movement to break the mechanical advantage of their grips. If they hold your belt, your lateral stepping will eventually force them to release or be pulled with you as you pass. Maintain underhook depth throughout. → Leads to Open Guard
- Opponent locks closed guard or half guard during the pass (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If they achieve closed guard, you must break the guard before continuing. If they capture half guard, transition to a half guard passing sequence, maintaining your underhook control on the trapped leg side and working to clear the lockdown or hook. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Opponent sits up explosively or attempts to granby roll (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Your chest pressure and head position should prevent them from sitting up. If they attempt to granby or invert, follow their movement while maintaining your underhooks, potentially achieving back control or transitioning to a turtle attack. → Leads to Open Guard
- Opponent pushes on your hips to create space before underhooks are deep (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If they successfully push your hips away, you may need to transition to a different passing approach. To prevent this, establish your first underhook deeply and immediately drop pressure before attempting the second underhook. → Leads to Open Guard
Safety Considerations
What are the safety concerns for Double Under Pass?
The double under pass is generally a safe technique for both practitioners when executed properly, but several safety considerations should be observed. When driving pressure onto the opponent, ensure you are using chest and shoulder pressure rather than driving your head into vulnerable areas like the neck or throat, which could cause injury. Be mindful of the opponent’s spine and neck when stacking—avoid excessive forward pressure that hyperextends the cervical spine, particularly when using the stack variation. When training with less experienced partners, moderate your pressure to allow them to develop defensive capabilities without being overwhelmed. Always respect the tap if the pressure becomes uncomfortable or if breathing is compromised. For the person being passed, do not panic or use explosive bridging movements that could strain your own neck or spine—instead, focus on technical defensive responses. Both practitioners should communicate about pressure levels during training, especially when learning the technique, ensuring that the passer develops proper control without injuring their training partner.