Underhook Pass

The Underhook Pass is a Guard Pass that utilizes an Underhook to control the opponent’s upper body and prevent guard retention. This pass works well against guards like Half Guard, Z Guard, and Open Guard, where the opponent relies on frames and leg positioning to defend. By gaining an Underhook, you neutralize their ability to create space or recover guard, allowing you to methodically pass to Side Control or another dominant position.

Goals of the Underhook Pass

Establish Upper Body Control

Use the Underhook to dominate the opponent’s shoulder and head, preventing their ability to turn toward you or shrimp away.

Isolate the Hips

Pin the opponent’s hips to limit their mobility and guard recovery options.

Clear the Legs

Move past their legs while maintaining tight Connections and Pressure.

Steps for the Underhook Pass

Engage the Guard

Control the opponent’s legs or hips to prevent guard recovery or elevation.
Break any Frames or grips they use to defend.

Secure the Underhook

Thread your arm under their far-side arm or torso to establish a deep Underhook.
Ensure your Underhook is tight, with your hand reaching across their back or gripping their far-side shoulder.

Flatten the Opponent

Use your Underhook to pull their upper body toward you, flattening them onto the mat.
Apply Pressure through your shoulder or chest to pin them in place.

Control the Hips

Pin their hips by driving your own hips into theirs or using your free hand to block their legs.
Stay heavy to prevent them from creating space.

Pass the Guard

Step over or around their legs while keeping the Underhook and hip control.
For example:
Slide your knee through their legs if they are in Half Guard.
Walk your hips around their legs in an Open Guard scenario.

Secure Dominant Control

Transition into Side Control, Knee on Belly, or another strong position while maintaining tight grips and Pressure.

Key Concepts for Success

Underhook Depth

The deeper your Underhook, the more control you’ll have over the opponent’s upper body.

Pressure

Use consistent Weight Distribution to immobilize the opponent and make it difficult for them to counter.

Leg Clearing

Methodically clear their legs while keeping tight Connections to deny guard recovery.

Variations of the Underhook Pass

Half Guard Underhook Pass

Secure the Underhook and drive your Guard Passes/Knee Cut through their Half Guard, flattening them and passing to Side Control.

Standing Underhook Pass

From a standing position, use the Underhook to lift and off-balance the opponent, creating space to pass.

Underhook to Back Control

If the opponent turns away while defending the pass, use the Underhook to transition to Back Control.

Common Mistakes

Losing the Underhook

If the opponent reclaims the Underhook, they can counter with sweeps or regain guard.

Leaning Too Far Forward

Overcommitting your weight exposes you to sweeps or submissions like a Triangle Choke or Guillotine.

Ignoring Hip Control

Without controlling their hips, the opponent can shrimp or frame to recover Guard.

Strategy

The Underhook Pass is a foundational pass that pairs well with other techniques like the Smash Pass or Guard Passes/Knee Cut.
Use it against opponents who rely heavily on Frames and guard retention by systematically breaking their structure and dominating the engagement.

Tip

A deep, tight Underhook is the key to success with this pass. Combine it with strong Pressure and efficient Problem Solving to adapt to your opponent’s defenses!