BLUE BELT

Over Under Pass

The over under pass (also called the smash pass) is a pressure-based guard passing technique made famous by 5x World Champion Bernardo Faria. It involves controlling one leg over and one under the opponent's legs while driving forward with your shoulder into their hip.

Contents

How to Execute

  1. 1. Break the opponent's closed guard or open their guard
  2. 2. Position one arm over their thigh and one arm under the other thigh
  3. 3. Grip both legs — over arm grabs near hip, under arm grabs far thigh
  4. 4. Drive your shoulder into their hip/thigh with full body pressure
  5. 5. Walk your feet to the side and flatten them out with the smash
  6. 6. Pass to side control when their hips are flat
💡 Pro Tip: The pass is about weight distribution, not strength. Your shoulder on their thigh creates a base that neutralizes guard retention. Walk your hips low and your shoulder drives flat.

Why is the over under pass so effective?

The over under pass neutralizes most guard retention tools by controlling both legs simultaneously. Bernardo Faria used it to win multiple World Championships against black belts — it works at every level.

Related Techniques

Knee Slice Pass Torreando Pass Leg Drag Pass

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'How to Execute' involve in this context?

The how to execute phase focuses on developing precise technique, building muscle memory through repetition, and understanding the underlying mechanics that make this approach effective in live rolling.

What does 'Related Techniques' involve in this context?

The related techniques phase focuses on developing precise technique, building muscle memory through repetition, and understanding the underlying mechanics that make this approach effective in live rolling.

Common Mistakes in Over Under Pass

Rushing the Setup

Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.

Using Strength Over Technique

Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.

Skipping Drilling

Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.

Ignoring Defensive Reactions

Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.

Training Tips for Over Under Pass

Shadow Drill at Full Speed

Perform the technique slowly, then progressively increase to competition speed while maintaining crisp mechanics. Video yourself to catch form breakdowns.

Use a Skilled Partner

Training with a partner who can give realistic resistance and honest feedback accelerates technical development more than repetitions with a passive uke.

Isolate Weak Phases

Break the technique into phases and identify which phase breaks down under pressure. Spend disproportionate drilling time on that specific phase.

Compete in Tournaments

Competition reveals real weaknesses that controlled training obscures. Even white belts benefit from early competitive experience.

Learning Progression for Over Under Pass

  1. Start with controlled drilling of the core mechanics at 30% resistance.
  2. Progress to positional sparring: your partner starts in the relevant position and you practice Over Under Pass with moderate resistance.
  3. Integrate into flow rolling — actively hunt for Over Under Pass opportunities without forcing.
  4. Add to live sparring with full resistance. Focus on recognizing setups, not just finishing.
  5. Record and review footage to identify timing gaps and mechanical errors.