Crossface Smash Pass

The Crossface Smash Pass is a powerful guard pass that focuses on using Pressure and tight Weight Distribution to flatten your opponent, pin their movement, and clear their legs for a successful pass. This pass works well against opponents who rely heavily on mobility, such as those using Half Guard, Z Guard, or other open guard variations.

Steps for the Crossface Smash Pass

Control the Opponent's Upper Body

  • Establish a deep Crossface by threading your arm across the opponent’s face, typically under their far-side shoulder.
  • Grip their shoulder or back with your hand to prevent them from turning into you.
  • Ensure your shoulder pressure pins their face away from you, disrupting their Posture and Frames.

Flatten the Opponent

  • Drop your weight low and apply Pressure with your chest and shoulder.
  • Engage your hips to create a connection that locks their upper body to the mat, reducing their ability to shrimp or recover Guard.

Smash the Legs

  • Use your free arm to pin their near-side leg to the mat or control it with a Pant Grip.
  • Drive your hips forward and angle them toward their pinned leg, folding their knees toward their chest or away from their base.
  • Keep your hips heavy, using your Weight Distribution to make it uncomfortable for your opponent to retain their guard.

Clear the Leg

Settle into Side Control

Key Concepts for Success

Crossface Control

  • The crossface should be tight and relentless, ensuring the opponent’s head is turned away to weaken their Base and defensive capabilities.

Pressure Application

  • Lean your weight into the opponent at all times, using gravity and Leverage to wear them down and discourage movement.

Leg Control

  • Pin or trap their legs to isolate their Hips and prevent guard recovery.

Common Mistakes

Insufficient Crossface Pressure

  • If your crossface is weak, the opponent can turn toward you, recover their guard, or counter.

Rushing the Leg Clearance

  • If you move too quickly, you may lose control of their hips, allowing them to escape or counter-sweep.

Poor Weight Distribution

  • If your weight is too high or off-balance, the opponent can create space and recover Frames.
Tip

Combine the Crossface Smash Pass with other pressure-based passes like the Smash Pass or Guard Passes/Knee Cut to develop a system that adapts to your opponent’s defenses.

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