Leg Drag Pass

The Leg Drag Pass is a highly effective Guard Pass that focuses on isolating and controlling the opponent's legs to neutralize their guard and transition to dominant positions like Side Control or Back Control. The pass involves dragging one of the opponent’s legs across their body, pinning it, and preventing guard recovery while you secure control.

Key Goals of the Leg Drag Pass

Control the Opponent’s Legs

  • Isolate one leg while using your grips to immobilize both legs.

Neutralize the Hips

  • Prevent the opponent from turning into you or recovering Guard by controlling their hip movement.

Transition to a Dominant Position

Steps for the Leg Drag Pass

Engage the Guard

Drag the Leg Across

  • Grab the opponent’s far-side leg (or shin) with one hand and drag it across their body, aiming to stack their knees together.
  • Use your free hand to pin their hips or control their other leg to prevent them from framing or countering.

Pin the Leg

  • Drop your weight to pin their legs to the mat or your thigh.
  • Stay tight to the opponent, using Weight Distribution to deny space for movement.

Control the Upper Body

  • Move toward the opponent’s head while keeping their legs trapped.
  • Use a Crossface or Underhook to secure their shoulders and flatten them out.

Establish a Dominant Position

Key Concepts for Success

Leg Isolation

  • The pass relies on keeping their legs pinned together and away from their base.

Hip Control

  • Immobilize their hips to prevent Frames or guard recovery.

Pressure and Tightness

  • Use your chest, hips, and grips to maintain tight Connections throughout the pass.

Variations of the Leg Drag Pass

Standing Leg Drag

  • From a standing position, grab their leg and drag it across their body, then drop your weight to pin it.

Low Leg Drag

  • Perform the pass from a kneeling or combat base, focusing on tight pressure and staying low.

Transition to Back Control

  • If the opponent turns away to recover, use the leg drag position to establish Back Control by controlling their hips and hooking their back.

Common Mistakes

Loose Grips

  • If your grips on their leg are weak, the opponent can recover guard or create space to escape.

Rushing the Transition

  • Failing to fully pin their legs and hips before moving to Side Control can result in a scramble.

Not Controlling the Upper Body

Strategy

Tip

The Leg Drag Pass shines when executed with precision and patience. Focus on tight Connections and control the opponent’s hips to consolidate your position after the pass!

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