Windmill Pass
The Windmill Pass is a dynamic Guard Pass that focuses on clearing the opponent's legs by redirecting them in a circular, "windmill-like" motion. This pass is particularly effective against Open Guard setups where the opponent’s legs are elevated or framing against your body. By combining grip control, Angles, and Pressure, the Windmill Pass allows you to bypass the guard and transition into Side Control or other dominant positions.
Goals of the Windmill Pass
Neutralize the Legs
- Redirect the opponent’s legs to eliminate their Frames and prevent guard recovery.
Create Angles
- Use circular motion and lateral movement to attack from unexpected directions.
Establish Dominant Control
- Secure Side Control, Knee on Belly, or another strong position once you pass their legs.
Steps for the Windmill Pass
Control the Legs
- Grip both of the opponent’s legs using Pant Grips (gi) or control their ankles/shins (no-gi).
- Keep their legs elevated and off your hips to prevent them from framing or attacking.
Redirect One Leg
- Use one hand to push one leg across their body, toward the opposite side.
- Keep their hips pinned by applying Pressure through your grips or chest.
Swing the Opponent's Legs in a Circular Motion
- With the redirected leg under control, use your other hand to guide their free leg in a circular motion, mimicking the motion of a windmill.
- Move their legs across their body, ensuring their hips are turned away from you.
Move Around the Guard
- As their legs are redirected, step laterally or diagonally around their hips.
- Stay tight to the opponent’s body, maintaining control and Connections.
Clear the Legs
- Pin their legs to the mat or control them with your hips as you pass.
- Ensure their legs cannot swing back into position to block your pass.
Establish Control
- Drop your hips and secure grips on their upper body, such as a Crossface or Underhook.
- Transition into Side Control or another dominant position.
Key Concepts for Success
Leg Control
- The Windmill Pass relies on precise control of the opponent’s legs to deny them space for guard recovery.
Timing
- Execute the circular motion smoothly and quickly to exploit openings in their guard.
Angles
- Focus on attacking from the side or at an angle to avoid direct engagement with their Frames.
Variations of the Windmill Pass
High-Speed Windmill
- Execute the pass quickly and explosively to overwhelm the opponent’s defenses.
Pressure-Based Windmill
- Use controlled Pressure to methodically redirect their legs and immobilize their hips.
No-Gi Windmill
- Rely on gripping their ankles or shins instead of gi grips to maintain control.
Common Mistakes
Weak Leg Control
- Without strong grips, the opponent can pull their legs back into position or attack submissions.
Leaning Too Far Forward
- Overcommitting your weight exposes you to sweeps or submissions like the Triangle Choke or Armbar.
Failing to Maintain Angle
- Moving in a straight line instead of creating angles allows the opponent to frame and recover.
Strategy
- The Windmill Pass is particularly effective against guards like Butterfly Guard, De La Riva, or Reverse De La Riva where the opponent relies on active legs.
- Combine it with passes like the Toreando or Leg Drag Pass to create a diverse, unpredictable passing system.
Tip
Precision and timing are critical in the Windmill Pass. Focus on tight leg control and fluid motion to bypass the guard efficiently and consolidate your position!
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