Knee Shield Passing

Knee Shield Passing refers to techniques used to overcome the defensive Frames created by an opponent’s Knee Shield—a common variation of Half Guard where the bottom player uses their knee and shin to maintain distance, block pressure, and set up sweeps or submissions. Passing the knee shield requires understanding Angles, Pressure, and how to dismantle the bottom player’s Frames effectively.

Goals of Knee Shield Passing

Neutralize the Knee Shield

Break through or bypass the barrier created by the opponent’s knee and shin.

Control the Upper Body

Prevent the opponent from framing or creating space for guard retention.

Clear the Legs

Move past the shielded leg and pin their hips for a successful pass.

Key Principles for Passing the Knee Shield

Avoiding Distance

Don’t allow the opponent to extend their Knee Shield fully. Stay close to deny them leverage.

Control the Opponent’s Hips

Prevent their hips from pivoting or creating angles by applying downward Pressure.

Grip Fighting

Break any grips that anchor you or maintain the distance they want to establish.

Use Angles

Attack from unexpected directions rather than driving straight into the shield.

Techniques for Passing the Knee Shield

Smash Pass Against the Knee Shield

Control the Upper Body

Secure a Crossface and Underhook to pin the opponent flat.

Flatten the Shield

Use your free hand to push down on their knee shield while driving your hips forward.

Slice Through

Slide your knee through their shield, similar to a Knee Cut, while keeping tight pressure on their hips and upper body.

Backstep Pass

Neutralize the Shield

Control their knee and thigh with your hand.

Backstep

Step your free leg back and over their legs, pivoting to face their hips.

Pass to the Other Side

Use your hips to pin their legs and transition into Side Control or even Back Control.

Toreando Variation

Disengage the Shield

Grip their shin or pant leg and push their knee away.

Move Around the Guard

Use lateral footwork to circle to the side, bypassing the knee shield entirely.

Secure Control

Transition to Side Control or Knee on Belly.

Double Underhook Pass

Enter Double Underhooks

Dive under their Frames, securing control of both legs with tight underhooks.

Stack and Pressure

Lift their hips while smashing the knee shield into their chest.

Complete the Pass

Walk around their legs into Side Control.

Key Concepts for Success

Break the Frame

Use your hips, hands, or Grip Fighting to weaken their knee shield and prevent them from pushing you away.

Stay Tight

Maintain close Connections to deny space for sweeps or submissions.

Pressure and Leverage

Apply consistent Pressure to flatten their frame, making it easier to pass.

Common Mistakes

Driving Directly Into the Shield

Overcommitting forward allows them to off-balance you or transition to sweeps like the Coyote Sweep.

Ignoring Grips

Allowing them to establish grips on your collar or sleeves can hinder your ability to pass.

Failing to Control the Upper Body

Without Crossface or Underhook control, they can easily recover their guard.

Strategy

Use a combination of pressure-based and angle-based passes to keep the opponent guessing.
Adjust your passing approach based on their defense. For example, if they extend the shield too far, you might disengage and use a Toreando or Backstep Pass.

Tip

Knee shield passing requires a blend of patience and precision. Focus on breaking their Frames systematically while maintaining balance and Base. Practice transitioning between passing options to create a fluid and adaptable top game!

YouTube Videos