Backstep Pass to Counter the Underhook (Lachlan Giles)
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Backstep Pass·Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne
This is from the course "Passing Underhook Half Guard" on my online training platform https://submeta.io
Backstep Pass
SubFamilyバックステップパス
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Backstep Pass is a guard passing technique where the passer steps backward and away from the guard player's legs, pivoting to pass from the back angle rather than driving forward through the guard — an unconventional passing direction that catches guard players expecting forward pressure. [1] The backstep also serves as the primary entry to leg lock positions (ashi garami) from the passing position, making it both a pass and a leg lock entry. [1],[2]
Back StepReverse Knee CutBackstep to Mount
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the modern BJJ competition passing evolution. [1]
Competition Record
Used at IBJJF and ADCC competition. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Navigating past the opponent's guard legs using this specific passing mechanic to achieve side control
Joints Involved — Hips (hip switching and pressure), knees (cutting, wedging, or stepping), hands (grips on pants or legs for control)
Force Vector — Varies by technique — forward pressure for knee-based passes, lateral for toreando variations, backward for backstep
Pass Mechanic — Each variant exploits a specific guard weakness: knee passes split the guard from inside, toreando variants outflank from outside, backstep approaches from behind, and pressure variants flatten through heavy contact
Position & Entry
From headquarters position — Initiate this pass from the standard headquarters stance based on the opponent's guard reaction
From standing — Begin the pass from a standing position in front of the opponent's open guard
From guard break — After breaking the closed guard, transition directly into this passing technique
Videos
Passing The X Guard - FLOAT AND BACKSTEP
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Backstep Pass·Aaron Benzrihem bjj
PASSING THE X GUARD - FLOAT AND BACKSTEP // In this video I am demonstrating how to pass the X Guard. The X guard can …
2 videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Guard passes carry minimal injury risk for both fighters under normal conditions
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IBJJF — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal — transitioning past opponent's legs is part ...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Drill this pass from the appropriate starting position until the mechanics are automatic
✓Chain this pass with 2-3 other passes to create an unpredictable passing system
✓Grip fighting before the pass is as important as the pass itself
✓Practice against progressive resistance
Common Mistakes
!Not establishing grips before initiating
!Not consolidating with crossface after passing
!Only passing to one side
!Rushing without reading the guard player's position
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Position
2Strip Grips
3Initiate Pass
4Navigate Legs
5Consolidate Side Control
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ passing methodology [2] Competition passing analysis
2BookBJJ competition analysis
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ passing methodology [2] Competition passing analysis
5CitationBJJ competition analysis
Community
Athletics
Requires
hip mobility, grip strength, timing
Favours
athletic ability, good reflexes
Key muscles
core, quadriceps, forearms
Sub-techniques
Notes
The backstep pass involves stepping backward behind the opponent's guard to achieve a passing angle. Commonly used to transition from half guard to mount or back control. (BJJ instructionals)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key positioning mistake to avoid when doing a backstep pass?
Don't keep your weight too far forward and make sure to free your knee over the top leg before stepping back. According to Lachlan Giles, failing to do this leaves you vulnerable to a back take or crab hook when you attempt the backstep.
How do I prevent getting swept when doing a backstep pass?
Aaron Benzrihem emphasizes not taking a huge step to the side, as this leaves you vulnerable to being swept over. Instead, stay heavy and controlled as you peel the hook and transition into the pass.
What should I do with my leg after peeling the hook in an X guard backstep pass?
Keep your leg out and slide down rather than pulling it toward you, as pulling invites your opponent to come up for a single or double leg takedown, according to Aaron Benzrihem.
How do I set up the backstep pass to counter an underhook?
Frame the head and fight the underhook early to prevent your opponent from establishing it in the first place, as Lachlan Giles explains this is the primary goal of the backstep pass counter series.
How does the Backstep Pass work?
The Backstep Pass is a guard passing technique where the passer steps backward and away from the guard player's legs, pivoting to pass from the back angle rather than driving forward through the guard — an unconventional passing direction that catches guard players expecting forward pressure. The backstep also serves as the primary entry to leg lock positions (ashi garami) from the passing position, making it both a pass and a leg lock entry.
Where does the Backstep Pass come from?
This passing technique is part of the modern BJJ guard passing curriculum, refined through competition at IBJJF and ADCC.
Is the Backstep Pass legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points; IJF: legal — Legal — transitioning past opponent's legs is part of newaza; ADCC: legal — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points; Unified MMA: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Backstep Pass?
Danger rating 2/10. Low — guard passes carry minimal injury risk for both fighters under normal conditions
How do I set up the Backstep Pass?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Strip Grips → Initiate Pass → Navigate Legs → Consolidate Side Control.
How do I defend against the Backstep Pass?
Standard counters include: Guard retention / Frame and shrimp / Sweep timing / Re-guarding.
What are the variants of the Backstep Pass?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version of this pass); Modified version (adapted for specific guard types); Chain variant (transitioning to this pass from another pass that was def…).
How effective is the Backstep Pass in competition?
Used at IBJJF and ADCC competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Backstep Pass?
Top errors to watch for: Not establishing grips before initiating / Not consolidating with crossface after passing / Only passing to one side / Rushing without reading the guard player's position.
What are other names for the Backstep Pass?
The Backstep Pass is also known as Back Step, Reverse Knee Cut, Backstep to Mount.