Over-Under Pass

bjj transition guard_pass pressure fundamental

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

Transition ID: T061
Transition Name: Over-Under Pass
Alternative Names: Over Under, Stack Pass Variant, Pressure Pass

State Machine Properties

Starting State: Open Guard Top, Closed Guard Top
Ending State: Side Control Top
Transition Type: Advancement - guard passing technique

Transition Properties

Success Probability: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80% - core probability data
Execution Complexity: Medium - requires proper positioning and pressure
Energy Cost: Medium - sustained pressure and stacking required
Time Required: Medium - 5-10 seconds to complete
Risk Level: Low - maintains top position throughout

Physical Requirements

Strength Requirements: High for stacking and pressure maintenance
Flexibility Requirements: Low for basic execution
Coordination Requirements: Medium for leg control and angle creation
Speed Requirements: Low - emphasizes pressure over speed

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From guard top position, you establish an over-under configuration by threading one arm over the opponent’s leg while diving the other arm under their opposite leg, creating a strong control structure. Your opponent typically attempts to create frames or recover their guard structure. You step your leg back on the over-hook side to create an angle, then drive your chest pressure down toward the mat while beginning to circle toward your under-hook side. The stacking pressure forces their hips up and legs together as you methodically pass their legs to the side, maintaining constant chest-to-chest pressure. You complete the pass by establishing side control with shoulder pressure pinning their torso and your head positioned for cross-face control.

Template: “From guard top with over-under control, step back to create angle, drive chest pressure down while circling to under-hook side. Stack hips, pass legs to side, establish side control.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

Setup Requirements: Establish over-under configuration with one arm over leg, one under leg
Initial Movement: Step leg nearest to over-hook side back to create passing angle
Opponent Response: Opponent attempts to recover guard, create frames, or prevent stacking
Adaptation: Drive chest pressure down while circling toward under-hook side
Completion: Stack opponent’s hips while methodically passing legs to the side
Consolidation: Establish side control with shoulder pressure and cross-face control

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

Grip Requirements: Tight over-under control with locked hands or strong grips
Base/Foundation: Wide base with stepping angle to generate passing momentum
Timing Windows: Execute when opponent’s guard is opening or frames are weak
Leverage Points: Chest pressure and hip stacking create passing angle
Common Adjustments: Switch circling direction if opponent counters initial angle

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

Setup Quality: Depth of under-hook and tightness of over-hook (+/-15%)
Timing Precision: Executing during opponent’s guard opening (+/-10%)
Opponent Fatigue: Reduced ability to maintain guard structure (+/-10%)
Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding pressure angles and stacking (+/-10%)
Position Control: Quality of chest pressure and hip control (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

Frame and Shrimp: Creating frames on hips to prevent pressure → Open Guard Bottom (Success Rate: 50%, Conditions: early frames before stack)
Triangle Attempt: Attacking exposed neck during pass → Triangle Setup (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: if head positioning is poor)
Foot on Hip: Placing foot on hip to create distance → Open Guard Bottom (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: if under-hook is shallow)
Sit-up Sweep: Using stacking angle to off-balance → Sweep to Top (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: if base is narrow)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [chest pressure] is insufficient:
- Execute [[Frame and Shrimp]] (Probability: 50%)

Else if [head positioning] is exposed:
- Execute [[Triangle Attempt]] (Probability: 30%)

Else if [under-hook] is shallow:
- Execute [[Foot on Hip]] (Probability: 35%)

Else [optimal pass execution]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

John Danaher: “The over-under pass succeeds through systematic pressure application and angle creation. The key is understanding that the pass occurs not through speed, but through the methodical elimination of space. Your chest pressure must be relentless, and your circling motion must be timed to coincide with their attempts to recover guard. The stacking element forces them into a defensive posture where hip movement becomes impossible.”
Gordon Ryan: “In competition, I use the over-under pass as a fundamental pressure passing technique that works at the highest levels. It’s particularly effective against opponents who rely on guard retention. The transition to side control is immediate once the legs are cleared, which allows for quick point scoring and submission opportunities. I focus on making my chest pressure unbearable.”
Eddie Bravo: “The over-under pass can be modified with various leg control methods and circling patterns. While it’s traditionally a pressure pass, you can integrate it with other passing systems by using it to create reactions. When opponents defend the over-under, it opens up opportunities for knee slice or leg drag passes. The versatility makes it effective across different guard types.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

Error: Insufficient chest pressure during stacking phase
Why It Fails: Allows opponent to maintain guard structure and create frames
Correction: Drive chest down aggressively while maintaining over-under grips
Recognition: Opponent easily recovers guard or creates space
Error: Poor angle creation with stepping pattern
Why It Fails: Reduces passing efficiency and allows opponent to track passer
Correction: Step back leg at 45-degree angle toward over-hook side
Recognition: Passing feels stuck or opponent easily squares up
Error: Releasing under-hook too early during pass
Why It Fails: Opponent can insert knee shield or recover guard
Correction: Maintain under-hook until legs are completely cleared
Recognition: Opponent recovers half guard or full guard mid-pass
Error: Head positioning too high during pass
Why It Fails: Exposes neck to triangle attacks or allows opponent to create frames
Correction: Keep head tight to opponent’s body with chin tucked
Recognition: Opponent threatens triangle or easily pushes head away
Error: Narrow base during stacking pressure
Why It Fails: Reduces stability and allows opponent to off-balance passer
Correction: Maintain wide base with back leg stepped out for support
Recognition: Feeling off-balance or opponent attempts sweep

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

Optimal Conditions: When opponent’s guard is opening or they’re attempting to set up attacks
Avoid When: Opponent has strong closed guard or effective guard retention
Setup Sequences: After breaking closed guard or during open guard transitions
Follow-up Windows: Must complete pass within 10-15 seconds before fatigue sets in

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

Technical Skills: Understanding of pressure passing and guard breaking
Physical Preparation: Upper body strength for sustained pressure and stacking
Positional Understanding: Guard top mechanics and passing angles
Experience Level: Intermediate technique requiring good base and pressure

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the passing force in the over-under pass?”
Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to execute the over-under pass?”
Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in chest pressure application?”
Setup Requirements: “Which configuration is essential for proper over-under control?”
Adaptation: “How do you adjust if opponent creates frames on your hips?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

Gi Specific: Can utilize collar grips and pants grips for additional control
No-Gi Specific: Focus on body lock and head control for grips
Self-Defense: Modified version emphasizing control and position over speed
Competition: Combination with knee slice or leg drag for multi-threat passing
Size Differential: Larger practitioners have advantage in pressure application

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

Solo Practice: Stepping patterns and angle creation without partner
Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows pass completion for position development
Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive defensive resistance
Sparring Integration: Implementing pass during live rolling with timing recognition
Troubleshooting: Identifying and correcting common execution problems in real-time

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

Movement Verbs: Stack, drive, circle, pressure, pin, control
Spatial References: Over-under configuration, stacking angle, circling motion
Pressure Dynamics: Chest pressure, hip control, shoulder pin
Momentum Descriptions: Methodical advance, sustained pressure, angle creation

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

Setup Cues: “Get that over-under control tight, lock it in”
Execution Guidance: “Drive your chest down, make them carry your weight”
Adaptation Prompts: “Circle to your under-hook side, feel the angle opening”
Completion Confirmation: “Clear those legs and establish side control”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

Starting Position: Guard top with over-under configuration established
Transition Points: Step back angle, chest pressure drive, circling motion, leg clearing
Ending Position: Side control top with shoulder pressure
Alternative Outcomes: Failed pass leading to guard recovery or submission attempt

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

Force Vectors: Downward chest pressure combined with circular passing motion
Leverage Ratios: Stacking pressure multiplied by angle creation
Range of Motion: Hip extension and chest drive working in coordination
Power Generation: Core strength, shoulder pressure, and leg drive combination

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

Knee Slice Pass - Related pressure passing technique
Stack Pass - Similar stacking mechanics
Leg Drag Pass - Alternative passing option
Toreando Pass - Speed-based alternative
Double Under Pass - Related under-hook passing variation

Competition Applications

IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores 3 points for guard pass
No-Gi Competition: Highly effective in submission-only formats
Self-Defense: Excellent for establishing control in ground situations
MMA Applications: Modified version effective in cage situations

Historical Context

The over-under pass is a fundamental pressure passing technique with roots in traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It exemplifies the principle of using weight and pressure to overcome guard retention, and has been refined by countless practitioners to become one of the most reliable guard passing methods in modern competition.

Safety Considerations

Controlled Application: Smooth execution prevents injury to both practitioners
Mat Awareness: Ensure adequate space for stacking and passing motion
Partner Safety: Controlled pressure protects training partner’s spine and neck
Gradual Progression: Build up pressure intensity gradually during learning

Position Integration

Common over-under pass combinations:

Open Guard Top → Over-Under Pass → Side Control Top
Closed Guard Top → Guard Break → Over-Under Pass → Side Control Top
Over-Under Pass (if defended) → Knee Slice Pass → Side Control Top

Training Applications

Beginner Curriculum: Fundamental pressure passing technique
Drilling Sequences: Excellent for repetitive passing practice
Flow Training: Integrates well with other passing systems
Competition Preparation: Reliable technique under pressure

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