Passing
White

Double Under Pass: A White Belt's Biomechanical Guide

The Double Under Pass is initiated from a standing or kneeling position when the opponent is attempting to establish a guard, typically Closed Guard or half guard.

White belts often struggle by telegraphing their intentions, using excessive force instead of leverage, and failing to control the opponent's hips and base.

The core principle is to create a dominant upper body connection that allows you to "run" your hips past the opponent's legs, effectively breaking their guard structure.

🥋 Landed your first Double Under Pass? Log every tap.

Track submissions, sessions & streaks — free forever.

Try Free →

Contents

Grips & Mechanics

Grip: Secure a deep cross-collar grip with your right hand and a same-side sleeve grip with your left hand. Your knuckles should be pointed towards the ceiling.
Posture: Maintain an upright posture, with your chest close to the opponent's chest, preventing them from creating space with their knees.
Foot Placement: Step your right foot directly between the opponent's knees, angling your body slightly to your left. Your left foot should be planted wider, providing a stable base.
Hips: Drive your hips down and slightly forward, creating pressure into the opponent's pelvis. Your weight should be distributed over your right foot and left knee.
Head Position: Wedge your head tightly against the opponent's chest or shoulder, preventing them from posturing up or turning their hips away.
Drive: Simultaneously, begin to drive forward and slightly to your left, creating an angle. Your right leg will begin to slide past the opponent's left leg.
Grip Transition: As you drive, transition your left sleeve grip to a grip around the opponent's hip or waist on their left side.
Pass: Continue driving, using your hips and chest to push past the opponent's legs. Your right leg slides completely past their hips, and you establish side control.

⚠️ White Belt Warnings

Incorrect Movement: Lunging forward with straight legs and attempting to push the opponent's knees apart with your hands.
Injury Risk: This can lead to hyperextension or sprains of the knees and ankles due to uncontrolled impact and shear forces. The lumbar spine is also at risk of flexion injury.
Correct Alternative: Maintain bent knees, drive your hips forward, and use your upper body connection to control posture, then slide your leg past.
Incorrect Movement: Grabbing the opponent's pants too low and trying to "pull" them to you to pass.
Injury Risk: This often results in a hyperflexion injury to the lower back or a shoulder dislocation if the opponent resists forcefully and you lose balance.
Correct Alternative: Grip the opponent's collar and sleeve to control posture and angle, then drive your hips forward to create the pass.
Incorrect Movement: Trying to force the pass by standing straight up and pushing the opponent's guard open.
Injury Risk: This puts immense strain on the opponent's hip flexors and your own lower back. It can also lead to knee injuries if the opponent uses their feet to push against your knees.
Correct Alternative: Keep your posture slightly hunched forward, your head connected, and use your hips to drive past their legs.

Drill Progressions

Solo Drill: Practice the hip drive and leg slide motion without a partner. Focus on maintaining a low base and driving your hips forward. (50 reps)
Partnered Drill (No Resistance): With a compliant partner, practice the entire sequence from grip to side control. Focus on precise body positioning and weight transfer. (20 reps per side)
Partnered Drill (Light Resistance - 25%): Partner offers minimal resistance, allowing you to feel the pressure and movement. Focus on maintaining grips and driving through. (20 reps per side)
Partnered Drill (Moderate Resistance - 50%): Partner actively tries to maintain their guard and resist the pass. Focus on breaking their posture and driving your hips. (15 reps per side)
Partnered Drill (High Resistance - 75%): Partner actively defends and tries to recompose guard. Focus on maintaining your structure and adapting your drive. (10 reps per side)
Live Rolling (90%): Integrate the Double Under Pass into rolling situations, aiming to use it when the opportunity arises. (5 minutes, focus on attempts)

When to Use & Counters

WHEN TO ATTEMPT:
When the opponent attempts to close their guard and their knees are together or close.
When the opponent attempts to establish a half guard and their top leg is extended.
When the opponent is posturing up slightly, creating a small window to attack their base.
PRIMARY COUNTERS:
Guard Recomposition: If the opponent's legs are not fully controlled, they can use their free leg to hook your leg and attempt to bring their knees back together, recomposing guard.
Hip Escape/Shrimping: If you fail to drive your hips forward effectively, the opponent can shrimp their hips away and create space to establish their guard again.
Stacking: If you are too upright and your base is too narrow, the opponent can drive their hips into you and stack you, potentially leading to a sweep or reversal.

Common BJJ Problems & FAQ

Q: Why does my knee hurt when I try the Double Under Pass?

Knee pain often occurs if you are driving your knee directly into the mat with significant force or if your leg is extending too much as you pass. Ensure your knee is slightly bent and driving into the opponent's hip or thigh, not the mat. Also, prioritize keeping your hips lower than their hips throughout the pass.

Q: How can I use the Double Under Pass against a much larger opponent?

Against a larger opponent, focus on controlling their posture and head connection more rigidly. Use your collar and sleeve grips to break their base and create an angle. Instead of a direct forward drive, think about "running" your hips around their body, using their size against them by driving past their center of gravity.

Q: When should I transition from a grip fight to attempting the Double Under Pass?

Transition when you feel you have established a strong upper body connection (collar and sleeve grips) that allows you to control their posture. Look for moments when their hips are slightly off the mat or when they are trying to create space by bringing their knees towards your chest. This indicates a vulnerability in their base.