Grip Control Concepts

Exploring the nuances of grip control during stack passing, the instructor emphasizes the importance of the collar grip to prevent the opponent from shoulder walking back to regain leg power and escape the stack. A deep grip on the collar can control the opponent's shoulders and offer the opportunity for a choke, although it's less likely to be applied at higher levels of competition.

For effective shoulder control, a thumb-inside grip above the bottom of the sternum is recommended. If the grip is lower, a palm-up, four-fingers-in grip is preferred to lock the elbow in place and prevent the opponent from regaining space. This grip sacrifices some pressure but offers precision in controlling the opponent's movement.

A palm-down grip is less effective for maintaining the stack and completing the pass, as it exposes the elbow to the opponent, making it easier for them to create space. However, a palm-down grip can be useful for quick passes to the other side, especially when speed is more important than pressure.

The sleeve grip is another valuable tool for stack passing, allowing for more control and the ability to leg drag or transition to other positions. The instructor also discusses the importance of the over grip dynamic, where the person on top must establish an over grip to prevent the bottom player from framing and defending effectively against the stack pass.

When the bottom player has an over grip, it becomes difficult for the top player to complete the pass. The top player must maintain the stack with other limbs while working to regain the dominant over grip. Once the top player has the over grip, they can close the space and complete the pass, potentially breaking the bottom player's grip with their weight.