Rolling Off Frames / Head Pummeling

Engaging guard passing involves not only lateral movement but also changing levels—low, intermediate, and high. This approach utilizes the entire body, including hips, feet, knees, and notably, the head, which is often underutilized as a physical tool in passing.

The drill focuses on overcoming the opponent's frames, particularly when they use their hands to push against the head. The steps are as follows:

1. Approach the opponent and allow them to establish a frame by pushing against the head.
2. Apply pressure to test the frame, then back the head out slightly, about one inch.
3. Pummel the head back inside, aiming to get past the opponent's frame.
4. Repeat the process of backing off and pummeling through until successful penetration of the opponent's defense is achieved.
5. Whether the opponent uses extended or bent arm frames, the goal remains to get close, collapse the frames, and roll over them.
6. Similar to rolling off frames when mounted, loosen the shoulders and roll off the opponent's frames, maintaining forward pressure.

This head pummeling technique is a critical skill for advancing in guard passing, teaching practitioners to maintain forward pressure and effectively navigate around the opponent's defensive frames.