Defensive Context and Prevention
The backstep pass is employed after the opponent has successfully established an underhook and pulled the defender in line with them, closing their chest tightly. Prior defensive options—framing the head, fighting the underhook, framing the shoulder, and attempting to flatten the opponent—are no longer viable once the opponent's hip is closed and their chest locked in. At this stage, freeing the knee to the other side becomes impossible, necessitating an alternative approach.
Backstep Objective and Key Warnings
The backstep pass aims to use the free outside leg to tilt the opponent flat to the mat. Two critical vulnerabilities must be avoided: the opponent can sweep or take the back if the defender's weight is too far forward, and a trapped knee makes the defender vulnerable to back control. Proper knee positioning and weight distribution are essential to execute the technique safely.
Freeing the Trapped Knee
The defender must face in line with the opponent rather than toward the far side, as facing the opposite direction locks the knee in place. The knee is lifted over the top of the opponent's leg without placing it on the ground, and the defender sits back with their weight heavily onto this top leg. This positioning prevents the opponent from capturing the leg with a hook and establishing back control during the backstep.
Use of the Overhook and Hand Placement
An overhook can be used early to prevent the opponent from escaping to the back, but it must be released before the backstep to allow the defender to post their hand on the mat. The hand post should be positioned to block the opponent's head from escaping while providing lateral support during the backstep movement. Posting too high allows the opponent's head freedom to escape, compromising the position.
Leg Collection and Trapping
Rather than stepping wide immediately, the defender can collect the opponent's top leg with their own leg, pinching it in place. This trapping action locks the opponent in position and prevents hip escape attempts, maintaining control while the defender establishes upper body positioning. In nogi, this transition can lead to effective leg lock positions or reverse half guard with good control.
Execution Sequence
The defender begins by establishing an overhook and turning in line with the opponent, then stands slightly while freeing the knee and sitting back on the top leg. Once positioned, they tilt the opponent backward first to off-balance them before posting the hand and stepping back. As the hips swing across, the defender collects and picks up the opponent's legs to complete the transition into reverse half guard on the far side.
Backstep Pass to Counter the Underhook (Lachlan Giles)
Key Takeaways
- •Defensive Context and Prevention
- •Backstep Objective and Key Warnings
- •Freeing the Trapped Knee
- •Use of the Overhook and Hand Placement
This is from the course "Passing Underhook Half Guard" on my online training platform https://submeta.io
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about backstep pass?
This video covers defensive context and prevention, backstep objective and key warnings, freeing the trapped knee. It provides detailed instruction from Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne.
How long does it take to learn backstep pass?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing backstep pass?
Rather than stepping wide immediately, the defender can collect the opponent's top leg with their own leg, pinching it in place. This trapping action locks the opponent in position and prevents hip escape attempts, maintaining control while the defender establishes upper body positioning. In nogi, this transition can lead to effective leg lock positions or reverse half guard with good control.
