Knee Shield Overview
The knee shield is a defensive position that prevents an opponent from achieving chest-to-chest contact during guard passes. There are three primary strategies to address it: smashing the legs together, clearing the knee out of the way, or freeing oneself outside the legs to continue the pass around the perimeter.
Preventative Hand Placement
The most effective approach is to prevent the knee shield from forming initially by placing the hand on the outside of the opponent's ribs with the elbow locked tight. By maintaining close torso contact and keeping the hips near the opponent's hips, the defender blocks the formation of a functional knee shield.
Turning to Eliminate the Shield
When prevention fails, turning the opponent to one side while blocking the bottom leg creates an opportunity to pass without encountering the knee shield upon return. This maneuver removes the shield from the equation when crossing back over.
Squashing Strategy with Goose Neck Grip
The squashing technique begins with a goose neck grip on the knee. The passer removes weight momentarily, folds the leg, then reestablishes chest contact on the outside of the leg, making it difficult for the opponent to open the shield while enabling upper body control through waist attachment.
Overcoming Frames with Tripod Position
When the opponent frames against the squashing attempt, the passer should transition to a tripod position and drive perpendicular to the frame. This weight distribution defeats the opponent's resistance and facilitates leg squashing and hip control.
Opening the Knee Shield with Hip Position
To clear the knee shield efficiently, the passer should keep the right arm hugging the hip for post-shield control while using the left arm to beat the knee line. By moving the chest underneath and arching the hips upward, the passer can walk to the side, opening the shield and slipping the arm past.
Beating the Knee Line
Before completing the pass, the passer must secure the knee and advance past it with their own knee. Circular movement down and back, rather than straight across, ensures the opponent cannot trap the passer's leg in close guard or half guard.
Freeing the Foot with Windshield Wiper
When the opponent frames tightly, the passer can free their foot by holding the opponent's knee, using their knee against the opponent's calf to open it, straightening the leg to clear any hooks, and finally stepping outside the legs. This windshield wiper motion allows the passer to circumvent the shield entirely.
Combining Strategies
The three primary approaches—smashing the legs together, beating and opening the knee line, and freeing the foot with a windshield wiper motion—can be combined or selected based on the opponent's defensive responses and frame placement.
Pass the Knee Shield with These 3 Strategies
Key Takeaways
- •Knee Shield Overview
- •Preventative Hand Placement
- •Turning to Eliminate the Shield
- •Squashing Strategy with Goose Neck Grip
The knee shield is perhaps the most common method of blocking a guard pass, learn 3 basic ways to deal with this. For more check out the course "Defeating the Knee Shield" on Submeta https://submeta.io/@lachlangiles/courses/defeating-the-knee-shield
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about knee pass?
This video covers knee shield overview, preventative hand placement, turning to eliminate the shield. It provides detailed instruction from Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne.
How long does it take to learn knee pass?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing knee pass?
When the opponent frames tightly, the passer can free their foot by holding the opponent's knee, using their knee against the opponent's calf to open it, straightening the leg to clear any hooks, and finally stepping outside the legs. This windshield wiper motion allows the passer to circumvent the shield entirely.
