Common Counters: Elbow Post

Countering the elbow post during the folding pass involves several key steps to maintain control and successfully pass the guard:

1. Recognize when the opponent sits up and posts on their elbow to facilitate a hip escape and empower their inside frame.
2. Reach with the inside arm and cup four fingers around the outside of the opponent's elbow while driving off of your toes to maintain active pressure.
3. Place your head tightly against the opponent's chest to prevent them from framing your head and neck away.
4. Drive the opponent off their elbow post by pushing their elbow close to their belly button, making it difficult for them to open their elbow away from their body.
5. Once the elbow is controlled, go ear to ear with the opponent to solidify your position and prepare to pass.
6. As the opponent starts to open up, immediately drive off your toes and shoot your hand behind their elbow, pulling it in towards you.
7. Transition to an ear-to-ear connection, which allows you to either staple their leg or backstep to complete the pass.
8. Throughout the process, maintain heavy shoulder pressure and drive forward to keep the opponent pinned and controlled.
9. If the opponent attempts to hook your leg, step forward to neutralize their efforts and secure your position.

By following these steps, you can effectively counter the elbow post and continue to pass the guard with heavy pressure and control.