Underhook Pass

Pass

The underhook pass uses a deep underhook on the bottom player's far leg to control their hip, flatten them, and slide past the half guard or butterfly hook to achieve mount. It is applicable from multiple half guard and quarter guard variations where the passer has already secured an underhook on the trapped side.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The underhook must be deep, wrapping under the thigh and controlling the hip to prevent the bottom player from creating frames or recovering guard.
  • · Heavy shoulder pressure on the jaw or chest pins the opponent flat, eliminating their ability to turn into you or create space.
  • · Drive your hips low and use a backstep or wedging motion to free your trapped leg rather than pulling it out with space.
  • · Anticipate the bottom player's underhook or knee shield re-insertion by maintaining constant chest-to-chest pressure and head position on the cross-face side.
  • · Control the far-side arm or frame with your free hand to prevent shrimping and guard re-establishment.

Execution

  1. 1 Secure a deep underhook beneath the bottom player's thigh on the trapped-leg side while applying a strong cross-face with your other arm to flatten them.
  2. 2 Walk your hips toward the mat on the underhook side, using shoulder pressure to keep them pinned and prevent them from turning into you.
  3. 3 Use the underhook grip to lift and stack their leg slightly while sliding your trapped knee free, wedging it past their bottom hook or half guard lock.
  4. 4 As your leg clears, immediately drive your knee to the mat on the far side and settle into mount, maintaining chest pressure throughout the transition.
  5. 5 Secure mount by establishing hooks or grapevines and controlling their upper body posture.

Common mistakes

  • × Reaching for the underhook without first establishing a solid cross-face, allowing the bottom player to take an underhook and initiate sweeps.
  • × Trying to yank the trapped leg free by creating space instead of keeping hips low and wedging through, which lets the opponent re-guard.
  • × Rushing to mount without consolidating hip control, resulting in the bottom player catching a butterfly hook or knee shield during the transition.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Underhook Pass shows up.

Half Guard Top
4 less common
Butterfly Half Guard Top Knee Shield Half Guard Top Quarter Guard Underhook Control

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Mount Top