Utilizing Underhooks

Addressing the challenge of controlling position when the opponent has trapped an underhook, it's highlighted that this situation often arises when freeing oneself from a half guard pass. The underhook may be obtained by the opponent as one attempts to pass, leading to the need to pummel back and pass while over the opponent's elbow line.

Upon passing, it's noted that holding the opponent down may not be feasible due to the lack of control over their other arm and head. To counter this, circling to a north-south position is advised to flatten the opponent. The north-south position provides a form of head control by positioning the opponent's head between the knees.

Additionally, the north-south position offers the opportunity to transition to the opponent's back if they continue to turn. This is also applicable when executing a back step pass, popularized by Marcelo Garcia. If the opponent turns, one can anticipate taking their back, but if they remain flat, maintaining control becomes challenging without the ability to control an arm.

Mounting directly from this position is cautioned against due to the risk of the opponent pushing the leg and potentially taking the back. Instead, transitioning to north-south is recommended for establishing control and flattening the opponent. This position is particularly useful when unable to secure side control or dominate the head due to the opponent's underhook.

The concept is reinforced with the understanding that if one cannot hold the opponent down post-pass, and there's a need to flatten them, the immediate action should be to circle to north-south. This involves circling the legs and securing the position with the chest over the opponent's chest, ensuring their shoulders remain flat and their head is confined between the knees.