Backstep Pass

The Backstep Pass is a dynamic and versatile guard-passing technique used to bypass your opponent’s lower body defenses, particularly from Half Guard, Deep Half Guard, or Reverse De La Riva positions. The pass involves stepping your body backward and over the opponent’s legs, creating an angle to establish dominant positions like Side Control, North South, or even Mount.

Key Features of the Backstep Pass

Backstepping Motion

  • You pivot and step backward with one leg, swinging it over your opponent’s body.
  • This motion creates an angle that bypasses their guard while simultaneously nullifying their control over your hips.

Dynamic Angles

  • The backstep opens opportunities to change the angle of attack, making it harder for the opponent to recover guard or mount a defense.

Upper Body Control

  • Effective grips, such as Crossface or Underhook Control, are often used in conjunction with the backstep to secure positional dominance.

When to Use the Backstep Pass

Against Half Guard

  • The backstep pass is particularly effective when your opponent has trapped one of your legs in their Half Guard or Deep Half Guard.

Against Reverse De La Riva

  • Use the backstep to nullify their control and bypass the Hooks of this guard.

Dynamic Passing

  • The backstep is ideal for creating scrambles or transitioning between passing sequences.

Steps to Execute the Backstep Pass

Establish Upper Body Control

  • Secure a Crossface or Underhook Control to neutralize the opponent’s ability to turn into you.
  • Maintain pressure on their chest or shoulders to control their Posture.

Set Up the Backstep

Backstep Motion

  • Step your back leg over their body in a wide, arcing motion.
  • Land your leg on the mat on the opposite side of their hips, effectively bypassing their guard.

Secure Position

  • Immediately establish a dominant position, such as Side Control or North South, by controlling their upper body and pinning their hips.
  • Use your free leg to untangle or clear any remaining Hooks or grips they may have.

Key Concepts and Details

Upper Body Control

Weight Distribution

  • Keep your weight on their chest or shoulders to limit their movement and prevent counters.

Angle Creation

  • The backstep should create a sharp angle, making it harder for the opponent to follow your motion and recover their Guard.

Common Mistakes

Neglecting Upper Body Control

Poor Weight Distribution

  • Leaning back or failing to apply chest pressure allows the opponent to bridge or shrimp effectively.

Rushing the Backstep

  • Failing to clear their Hooks or grips completely can lead to entanglements, sweeps, or submissions.

Leaving Space

  • Allowing space during the transition can give the opponent opportunities to counter or reestablish their guard.

Tips for Success

Control Before Backstepping

  • Always secure a strong upper-body grip before initiating the backstep to prevent counters.

Be Smooth and Controlled

  • The backstep should be fluid and deliberate, minimizing openings for the opponent to react.

Chain Passing

  • Use the backstep as part of a larger passing sequence, transitioning to other techniques like the Guard Passes/Knee Cut or Toreando if necessary.

Stay Tight

  • Maintain chest-to-chest pressure after completing the pass to stabilize the position.

Variations and Combinations

Backstep to Guard Passes/Knee Cut

  • If the opponent reacts by turning into you, transition to a Guard Passes/Knee Cut to complete the pass.

Backstep to Mount

  • Use the backstep motion to bypass their guard and transition directly to Mount if their legs are positioned high.

Backstep to Back Take

  • If the opponent turns away during the backstep, capitalize on the angle to secure Back Control.

Backstep in Scrambles

  • Use the backstep dynamically in scrambles to maintain top control and bypass their legs.

The Backstep Pass is a powerful and versatile technique that relies on dynamic movement, precise angles, and upper body control. Mastering this pass allows you to deal with stubborn guards like Half Guard or Reverse De La Riva while maintaining offensive momentum and positional dominance.

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