The Double Underhook Pass is a systematic transition from Crackhead Control that uses bilateral underhook control to flatten the turtle defender and advance to Side Control. This technique capitalizes on the chair-sit mechanics of Crackhead Control to thread both arms under the opponent’s armpits, creating a powerful scooping action that eliminates their defensive base.
Strategically, this pass exploits the defensive limitations created when an opponent in turtle attempts to protect their neck from back attacks. By focusing their defensive energy on preventing collar and seatbelt grips, they often leave the underhook pathways accessible. The double underhook configuration creates a mechanical advantage where your chest pressure combined with arm leverage makes it nearly impossible for them to maintain the quadruped position.
The technique represents an evolution in turtle passing methodology, moving away from traditional approaches that emphasized riding the back toward modern systems that prioritize flattening and immediate dominant position acquisition. When executed with proper timing and hip pressure coordination, the Double Underhook Pass creates a direct pathway to Side Control while eliminating the scramble opportunities that make turtle attacks risky.
From Position: Crackhead Control (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
- Maintain hip pressure throughout the transition - never release chair-sit weight until fully settled in Side Control
- Thread underhooks sequentially, not simultaneously - secure the first deep before hunting the second
- Use chest pressure against opponent’s shoulder blades as primary driving force, not arm strength
- Drive perpendicular to opponent’s spine to prevent them from rolling with the pass
- Lock hands only after both underhooks are deep - premature clasping limits leverage
- Time the pass for when opponent commits defensive energy to preventing back takes
- Keep your head low and outside their hip line to prevent reversal opportunities
Prerequisites
- Crackhead Control established with stable chair-sit position on opponent’s lower back
- Opponent in defensive turtle with hands and knees on mat protecting neck
- At least one underhook partially established or pathway clear for entry
- Hip pressure sufficient to prevent opponent from standing or sitting through
- Opponent’s arms positioned forward defending their neck rather than blocking underhook entries
Execution Steps
- Establish first underhook: From Crackhead Control, thread your dominant-side arm under opponent’s near armpit, driving your hand toward their far shoulder. Keep your elbow tight to their ribs throughout the entry to prevent them from trapping your arm.
- Secure the grip: Once the first underhook is deep, lock your hand on their far shoulder or clasp their gi lapel in gi training. Your palm should face down with fingers wrapped over the trapezius muscle for maximum control.
- Thread second underhook: While maintaining the first underhook and hip pressure, swim your opposite arm under their far armpit. This may require a slight hip shift to create the angle, but never fully release your chair-sit weight during this transition.
- Lock the Gable grip: Connect both hands in a Gable grip (palm-to-palm, no thumb) at the center of opponent’s chest. Position your locked hands at their sternum level, not too high toward neck or too low toward belly.
- Drive and flatten: Using chest pressure against their upper back combined with your locked grip pulling toward you, drive opponent’s shoulders to the mat. Push forward with your hips while pulling with your arms, creating a scooping action that collapses their turtle.
- Transition to Side Control: As opponent flattens, release the Gable grip and immediately establish crossface with near arm while your far arm controls their hip. Sprawl your legs back and settle your weight perpendicular across their torso in classic Side Control position.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Side Control | 65% |
| Failure | Crackhead Control | 25% |
| Counter | Half Guard | 10% |
Opponent Counters
- Opponent sits back into you before second underhook establishes (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: If they sit back early, immediately transition to back take attempt using the single underhook you have. Their sit-back motion often exposes hooks for back control entry. → Leads to Crackhead Control
- Opponent granby rolls as you drive forward (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow their roll while maintaining the double underhook grip. Their roll will often land you directly in Side Control if you keep chest pressure and follow their rotation. → Leads to Side Control
- Opponent posts far arm and creates angle to recover guard (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Switch to a single underhook pass on the side where they posted, using their extended arm as leverage for a tighter pass angle. Their post creates the space needed for guard recovery only if you release pressure. → Leads to Half Guard
- Opponent collapses to hip and inserts knee shield (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Use the momentum from your already-committed pass to drive through the knee shield into a smash pass. Your forward pressure and underhook control make their knee shield less effective than from standard passing situations. → Leads to Half Guard
Test Your Knowledge
Q1: What is the primary goal of the Double Underhook Pass? A: The primary goal is to transition from Crackhead Control to Side Control by using bilateral underhook control to flatten the turtle defender. The pass eliminates their defensive base through chest pressure and arm leverage, collapsing the quadruped position and advancing to a dominant controlling position.
Q2: What position do you start the Double Underhook Pass from? A: This technique starts from Crackhead Control Top, specifically the chair-sit turtle control position where your hips are loaded on opponent’s lower back and you have established initial control. The pass requires the mechanical platform that Crackhead Control provides.
Q3: What are the key grips needed for the Double Underhook Pass? A: The key grips are deep bilateral underhooks that thread completely under both of opponent’s armpits, with hands connecting in a Gable grip (palm-to-palm, no thumb) at their sternum level. The underhooks must be deep enough that your hands reach past their shoulder line.
Q4: Your opponent sits back into you as you hunt the second underhook - how do you adjust? A: Immediately abandon the second underhook and transition to back take using the single underhook you have established. Their sit-back motion actually exposes hook opportunities for back control. Use the underhook as a lever to stay connected while you race to establish hooks before they can flatten.
Q5: When is the optimal timing window to attempt the Double Underhook Pass? A: The optimal timing is when opponent commits defensive energy to preventing back takes - specifically when they focus on defending collar ties, seatbelt grips, and neck attacks. This defensive focus leaves the underhook pathways more accessible and their attention divided.
Q6: Why is it critical to maintain hip pressure throughout the pass? A: Hip pressure from the chair-sit position is what prevents opponent from executing primary turtle escapes like sitting through, standing up, or granby rolling. Releasing this pressure even momentarily gives them the space needed to reset their base or initiate a counter. The pass relies on keeping them loaded while transitioning your upper body control.
Q7: What direction should you drive when flattening opponent - straight down or at an angle? A: Drive at approximately a 45-degree angle forward and perpendicular to their spine. Driving straight down allows them to maintain base by posting arms. The perpendicular element prevents rolling escapes, while the forward element collapses their arm posts. The combination creates an unstoppable flattening force.
Q8: Your opponent begins a granby roll as you initiate the drive - what is the correct response? A: Follow their roll while maintaining the double underhook grip and chest pressure. Do not fight against the roll direction. If you stay connected and follow the rotation, their granby often lands you directly in Side Control or even Mount. Releasing the grip to stop the roll is the error that creates scramble opportunities.
Q9: What specific body position indicates opponent is vulnerable to this pass versus defending effectively? A: Vulnerability is indicated when opponent’s arms are positioned forward defending their neck (chin tucked, hands near collar bone) rather than blocking underhook entries (elbows flared, hands near armpits). Also, when their weight is shifted forward defending back takes rather than centered over their knees, they cannot effectively prevent the underhook threading.
Q10: How do you chain the Double Underhook Pass with back take attempts in a systematic attack sequence? A: The chain works bidirectionally. Threaten back take to draw opponent’s defensive attention to their neck, then switch to Double Underhook Pass when they overcommit to back defense. Conversely, if the pass stalls due to underhook defense, use their arm elevation to enter back take. The opponent cannot defend both simultaneously, creating a dilemma.
Safety Considerations
The Double Underhook Pass is relatively low-risk when executed properly. Primary injury concerns involve shoulder strain for the bottom player if they attempt to post while you drive through - ensure training partners tap or verbally signal discomfort. Avoid explosive jerking motions with the Gable grip that could cause neck strain. When drilling, establish clear communication protocols for when the bottom player feels their shoulder or neck becoming compromised. The technique should not be forced against strong resistance during learning phases - if the pass isn’t working, release and reset rather than muscling through with increased pressure.