Floating Pass Fundamentals

The floating pass is a high-percentage guard passing technique that neutralizes the butterfly guard by establishing superior positioning and weight distribution. Rather than relying on strength, this method uses precise body mechanics to prevent the opponent's legs from creating effective hooks or leverage points. Understanding the foundational principles of this pass creates a technical framework for all subsequent variations.

Variation 1: The Basic Float

The basic floating pass begins with the practitioner establishing a strong base while maintaining pressure through the opponent's chest. The passer drives forward with controlled momentum, keeping their weight centered as they float over the butterfly guard hooks. This variation emphasizes proper posture and pressure maintenance to prevent the guard from re-establishing.

Variation 2: The Arm Trap Float

This variation incorporates a strategic arm trap to control the opponent's upper body and limit their defensive options. By securing one or both arms, the passer reduces the opponent's ability to create underhooks or adjust their guard positioning. The arm trap combined with a floating pass creates a more complete control structure and increases pass success rate.

Variation 3: The Leg Drag Integration

The leg drag floating pass merges traditional leg drag mechanics with floating pass principles to secure side control position. The passer uses their leg positioning to isolate one side of the opponent's butterfly guard while floating over the remaining resistance. This hybrid approach is particularly effective against practitioners with strong butterfly hook mechanics.

Variation 4: The Head Control Float

Establishing dominant head position during the floating pass prevents the opponent from creating neck pressure or regaining guard. The passer uses their shoulder and arm to control the opponent's head and upper spine while executing the float. This variation prioritizes upper body control and creates a more stable position from which to complete the pass.

Variation 5: The Pressure Point Float

This advanced variation targets specific pressure points on the opponent's torso to neutralize their guard without excessive strength. By applying precise pressure to the ribcage or solar plexus area, the passer forces postural collapse and guard dissolution. Proper pressure application requires timing and positioning rather than muscular force, making this variation accessible across skill and size ranges.

Pressure and Timing Principles

Consistent floating pass success depends on maintaining continuous forward pressure while timing the guard pass at the moment of maximum guard vulnerability. The passer must recognize when the opponent's hooks lose their structural integrity and capitalize immediately. Premature or delayed execution allows the butterfly guard to re-establish and create dangerous counter-opportunities.

Practical Application and Drilling

Practitioners should begin with slow-motion drilling before progressing to flow rolling and resistant repetitions. Each variation should be practiced separately until the core mechanics become automatic, then combined in sequence. Real-time sparring against active butterfly guard practitioners reveals which variation suits each player's body type and positioning preference.

Floating Pass (BJJ): 5 Variations for Passing Butterfly Guard (in Real Time with Shintaro Higashi)

Brian Glick

Floating Pass

3 min read·8 key moments·PT1M59S video

Key Takeaways

•Floating Pass Fundamentals
•Variation 1: The Basic Float
•Variation 2: The Arm Trap Float
•Variation 3: The Leg Drag Integration

The floating pass is one of our favorite methods of guard passing whenever we can get inside position with a leg from the top. Floating passes are usually done no gi, but as you’ll see the mechanics are the same with the gi as well (although you may need to do more grip break work if the bottom person controls your cuffs). We also show a floating pass using the pants grip here: https://youtu.be/YbGa33ydQz4 In this video we cover 5 variations of the floating pass, depending on the response you get from your partner as you apply forward pressure. The key here is keeping weight on your hands, allowing the lighter legs to pommel and change directions much more easily. First variation - slide to false mount 0:06 Second variation - backstep to back exposure 0:22 Third variation - front pommel 0:41 Third variation (Shintaro :)) - front pommel to false mount 0:57 Fourth variation - shin to shin to knee on belly 1:15 Fifth variation - failed float to smash pass to back 01:35 ⭐ ➡️ MY BIO (by J. Danaher): https://bit.ly/3gUMU5R Like this video? Please subscribe! === PLEASE CHECK OUT ⬇️ 🚨 INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/bzglick 🚨 FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/bzglick 📹 THEDOJO.COM : https://www.thedojo.com 🥋 SHOYOROLL: https://shoyoroll.com/ 🙇🏻 BROOKLYN BJJ: https://www.brooklynbjj.com

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Butterfly Pass Half Mount Pass Half Stack Pass Lemon Squeeze Pass Mike Pyle Special

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about floating pass?

This video covers floating pass fundamentals, variation 1: the basic float, variation 2: the arm trap float. It provides detailed instruction from Brian Glick.

How long does it take to learn floating pass?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.