Single Stack

The Single Stack Pass is a pressure-heavy Guard Pass that focuses on isolating one of the opponent’s legs, stacking it over their body, and using Weight Distribution and Pressure to immobilize them before passing. This pass is particularly effective against Open Guard and Half Guard variations where the opponent’s legs are actively framing or elevating.

Goals of the Single Stack Pass

Control One Leg

  • Focus on isolating and stacking one of the opponent’s legs to reduce their ability to defend or counter.

Neutralize the Hips

  • Pin the opponent’s hips to the mat, eliminating their mobility.

Transition to a Dominant Position

  • Clear the trapped leg and settle into Side Control or another dominant position.

Steps for the Single Stack Pass

Engage the Guard

  • Control both of the opponent’s legs by gripping their knees, ankles, or pants.
  • Keep your Posture low and tight to prevent them from elevating you or setting up sweeps.

Isolate One Leg

  • Pin one of their legs (typically their far-side leg) to your chest using both hands or a tight grip.
  • Push their other leg away or pin it to the mat with your knee or hand, ensuring it cannot frame or interfere with the pass.

Stack the Leg

  • Drive their isolated leg toward their chest or opposite shoulder, folding them into a stacked position.
  • Use your bodyweight to apply Pressure through their leg and hips, preventing their ability to shrimp or recover Guard.

Walk Around the Legs

  • Move your hips to the side, circling around the trapped leg while keeping it tightly controlled.
  • Maintain Pressure to prevent the opponent from creating space or countering.

Clear the Leg

  • Once you’ve passed their leg, drop your hips low and establish Side Control or another dominant position.
  • Use a Crossface or Underhook to control their upper body and consolidate the pass.

Key Concepts for Success

Leg Isolation

  • The Single Stack Pass relies on completely isolating one leg, so the opponent cannot frame or counter effectively.

Pressure Application

  • Apply consistent Pressure through their leg and hips to immobilize their movement.

Body Control

  • Use your weight and grips to stay tight and deny space for the opponent to work.

Variations of the Single Stack Pass

High Stack Variation

  • Stack their leg high toward their head, applying maximum pressure to their hips and lower back.

Low Stack Variation

  • Focus on pinning their leg to the mat while staying low to maintain tight control and prevent counters.

Transition to a Submission

Common Mistakes

Failing to Control Both Legs

  • If the free leg is left unchecked, the opponent can use it to frame or regain Guard.

Not Applying Enough Pressure

  • Without consistent Pressure, the opponent can create space to escape or counter.

Leaning Too Far Forward

  • Overcommitting your weight can lead to sweeps or submissions, especially if the opponent has control of your arms or posture.

Strategy

  • The Single Stack Pass is particularly effective against flexible opponents who rely on Open Guard setups like Butterfly Guard or De La Riva.
  • Pair this pass with other stack-based techniques like the Stack Pass to create a pressure-passing system that wears down your opponent.
Tip

Mastering the Single Stack Pass requires patience and precision. Focus on maintaining tight Connections and Weight Distribution to make the pass feel oppressive and inevitable!

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