The Toss Pass from Double Unders is an explosive guard passing technique that capitalizes on bilateral underhook control to dynamically redirect the opponent’s legs to one side, clearing the path for immediate side control establishment. Unlike the methodical stack pass that folds the opponent vertically, the toss pass uses lateral redirection combined with explosive hip rotation to clear the legs in a single decisive action. This makes it particularly effective against opponents who have adapted their defensive frames to counter vertical stacking pressure, as the lateral force vector attacks a different defensive plane entirely.
The technique operates on the principle of misdirection within the pressure passing framework. By initially driving forward pressure as if attempting a standard stack or fold pass, the passer loads the opponent’s defensive reactions in the vertical plane. The sudden lateral redirection catches the defender’s frames oriented in the wrong direction, creating a brief window where their defensive structure is completely bypassed. The passer must commit fully to the direction change, following the toss with immediate chest-to-chest contact on the landing side to prevent any guard recovery.
Strategic deployment of the toss pass is most effective when paired with standard double unders passing options as part of a pressure passing chain. When the opponent successfully defends the stack pass by maintaining strong frames against vertical pressure, the toss pass becomes available as a complementary angle of attack. The technique requires solid grip mechanics and timing but rewards the passer with a clean pass to side control that often leaves the opponent disoriented and unable to establish defensive frames before the pass is consolidated.
From Position: Double Unders (Top) Success Rate: 55%
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Side Control | 55% |
| Failure | Double Unders | 20% |
| Failure | Half Guard | 15% |
| Counter | Open Guard | 10% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute technique | Prevent or counter |
| Key Principles | Load vertical pressure before redirecting laterally to creat… | Maintain diagonal frame orientation that resists both vertic… |
| Options | 7 execution steps | 4 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
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Load vertical pressure before redirecting laterally to create misdirection that catches defensive frames in the wrong orientation
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Generate toss power through hip rotation and core engagement rather than arm strength alone for sustainable and explosive redirection
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Commit fully to the toss direction with no hesitation, as partial commitment allows the defender time to adjust their frames
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Follow the toss immediately with chest-to-mat contact on the passing side to eliminate guard recovery space
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Select toss direction based on opponent’s weaker frame side and your preferred side control configuration
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Maintain deep grip behind opponent’s back throughout the entire toss motion to prevent legs from separating mid-redirection
Execution Steps
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Confirm double unders control: Verify both arms are fully threaded under opponent’s legs with hands clasped deep behind their lower…
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Establish vertical pressure: Drive forward pressure through your chest into opponent’s thighs, stacking their weight onto their s…
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Select toss direction: Read the opponent’s frame orientation and select the side where their defensive structure is weaker …
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Load the hip rotation: While maintaining forward pressure on the surface, subtly shift your weight to the balls of your fee…
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Execute the toss: Explosively rotate your hips toward the toss direction while sweeping your arms laterally, redirecti…
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Follow through to the mat: Immediately after the legs clear, drop your chest to the mat on the passing side. Your near arm driv…
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Consolidate side control: Establish crossface with your near arm driving forearm pressure across the opponent’s jaw and neck. …
Common Mistakes
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Releasing the grip behind opponent’s back before legs have fully cleared to the side
- Consequence: Opponent’s legs spring back to center and they immediately recover guard position with both legs active, negating the entire passing attempt
- Correction: Maintain clasped hands behind opponent’s back throughout the entire toss arc until your chest makes contact with the mat on the passing side, only then release to establish crossface
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Attempting the toss without first establishing sufficient vertical stacking pressure
- Consequence: Opponent’s defensive frames are not loaded in the vertical plane, allowing them to easily redirect their resistance laterally to match the toss direction
- Correction: Drive sustained forward pressure for minimum 2-3 seconds before initiating the toss, forcing the opponent to commit their frames to vertical resistance
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Failing to follow through with immediate chest-to-mat contact after the toss
- Consequence: Creates a gap between the toss completion and side control establishment that allows the opponent to insert a knee, create frames, or hip escape to recover guard
- Correction: Treat the toss and follow-through as one continuous motion - your chest should hit the mat on the passing side within one second of the legs clearing
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
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Maintain diagonal frame orientation that resists both vertical stacking and lateral redirection rather than committing frames to a single plane
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Recognize pre-toss cues early including grip shifts, head repositioning, and changes in pressure direction to prepare defensive adjustments
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Never fight the toss direction once initiated - redirect your energy to establishing frames and hooks on the landing side
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Keep at least one butterfly hook or knee shield threatening at all times to prevent clean leg clearance during the toss
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Use the opponent’s commitment to the toss as an opportunity to create space for guard recovery during their directional transition
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Prioritize hip mobility over upper body frames - the ability to rotate your hips during the toss determines whether you recover guard or get passed
Recognition Cues
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Opponent’s grip behind your back shifts subtly to one side, pre-loading the lateral redirection direction
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Opponent’s head position moves to the opposite side of the intended toss, counterbalancing for the explosive rotation
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Forward stacking pressure briefly lightens or changes angle as the opponent loads their hips for rotational power
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Opponent’s feet reposition with toes engaged and weight shifting to the balls of their feet, preparing for hip rotation
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A subtle pause in the opponent’s forward pressure progression as they transition from stacking to toss loading
Defensive Options
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Insert butterfly hook on the anticipated toss side before the toss initiates, blocking clean leg clearance - When: When you recognize pre-toss cues early, particularly the grip shift and head repositioning, before the explosive motion begins
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Frame against opponent’s shoulder and hip escape away during the toss motion, using the directional change to create separation distance - When: During the toss execution when the opponent’s grip loosens momentarily as they redirect force from vertical to lateral
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Grip opponent’s wrist or sleeve on the near side to prevent them from releasing underhook for crossface during follow-through - When: When the toss has already initiated and you cannot prevent the leg clearance, focus on preventing the side control consolidation
Position Integration
The Toss Pass integrates into the double unders passing system as the lateral complement to the vertical stack pass, creating a two-dimensional threat that forces defenders to choose which direction to orient their frames. When combined with the stack pass and leg weave transitions available from double unders, this technique creates a triangle of passing options that prevents opponents from committing fully to any single defensive orientation. It bridges the gap between pressure passing methodology and dynamic movement-based passing by using established pressure control as the launching platform for explosive directional change. At the competitive level, the toss pass functions as a secondary option that punishes overly committed vertical frame defense, making the primary stack pass more effective through the threat of lateral redirection.