Maintenance: Following Your Opponent

Applying the folding pass effectively involves maintaining consistent pressure on the bottom player, who bears the weight of the top player on their hips and torso. To ensure the pass's success, the top player must make small adjustments in response to the bottom player's movements.

1. Keep toes active on the mat and move with the bottom player as they make small adjustments, maintaining contact and pressure.
2. Avoid making large movements in response to the bottom player's adjustments, as this can create space and reduce pressure, allowing for potential escapes.
3. Stay connected with the back of the bottom player's hamstrings using the front surface of your knees and thighs to minimize space.
4. Follow the bottom player's movements with small adjustments, such as a hip sag or shoulder roll, to close any space created.
5. Continue to adjust with each movement the bottom player makes, which will tighten the position and reduce their ability to create space.
6. Seal off all space to make the pass imminent, leaving the bottom player with no room to escape.
7. Monitor the bottom player's energy levels and anticipate their movements to determine the proper timing for finishing the pass.

By making these small adjustments, the top player can maintain control and apply the folding pass with minimal energy expenditure while maximizing the energy cost for the bottom player.