Stack Pass

The Stack Pass is a pressure-intensive Guard Pass that involves stacking your opponent’s legs toward their head, immobilizing their Hips and Frames, and then methodically clearing their legs to establish a dominant position like Side Control or Mount. It’s a high-pressure pass that works well against Closed Guard, Open Guard, and guards where the opponent’s legs are elevated.

Goals of the Stack Pass

Neutralize the Legs

  • Fold the opponent’s legs toward their chest to eliminate their mobility and Frames.

Apply Pressure

  • Use your Weight Distribution to keep the opponent pinned and disrupt their breathing and movement.

Clear the Legs

  • Methodically bypass the legs to establish dominant control.

Steps for the Stack Pass

Break the Guard

  • If in Closed Guard, open it first using a standing or kneeling guard break.
  • Control the opponent’s legs, gripping their ankles, knees, or pants, depending on the situation.

Stack the Legs

  • Pin both of their legs together and drive their knees toward their chest.
  • Use your grips and bodyweight to fold them into a stacked position, keeping their hips elevated off the mat.

Control the Hips

  • Place your shoulder or chest onto their legs to apply downward Pressure.
  • Use your free hand to grip their belt, hip, or gi to maintain control of their lower body.

Walk Around the Guard

  • With their legs pinned, walk your body laterally around their guard while maintaining tight Connections.
  • Keep their legs controlled to prevent them from recovering Guard.

Clear the Legs

  • As you move past their hips, push their legs to the side or pin them to the mat.
  • Transition into Side Control, Knee on Belly, or another dominant position.

Establish Control

  • Secure grips on their upper body (e.g., Crossface or Underhook) to consolidate your position and prevent escapes.

Key Concepts for Success

Leg Control

  • The Stack Pass relies on controlling and immobilizing the opponent’s legs. Tight grips are crucial.

Pressure Application

  • Use your chest, shoulders, and hips to apply maximum Pressure, making it uncomfortable for the opponent.

Maintain Balance

  • Stay centered over your opponent to avoid being swept or off-balanced.

Variations of the Stack Pass

High Stack Pass

  • Drive their legs higher toward their head, using extreme Pressure to immobilize their entire body.

One-Leg Stack Pass

  • Focus on stacking one leg while pinning the other to the mat to create an opening for the pass.

Transition to Submissions

Common Mistakes

Insufficient Pressure

  • Without consistent Pressure, the opponent can frame or shrimp to recover guard.

Leaning Too Far Forward

  • Overcommitting weight can expose you to sweeps or off-balancing techniques.

Ignoring Upper Body Control

  • Failing to control their upper body allows the opponent to create space and counter.

Strategy

  • The Stack Pass is especially effective against flexible opponents who rely on mobility and guard retention.
  • Pair it with passes like the Over-Under Pass or Smash Pass to create a diverse, pressure-oriented passing game.
Tip

The Stack Pass is as much about patience as it is about pressure. Focus on maintaining tight Connections and controlled Weight Distribution to methodically break down the opponent’s guard!

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