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TFS#70: Using Pins & Getting Low
There’s always a time to focus and always a time to be playful. Don’t compromise either.
Wayne Terran
September 10, 2023
When approaching the open guard passing, often times I see lower belts focused on throwing the legs to one side and shooting in to close the gap.
The idea of the leg drag is there…just not executed with the necessary details.
If you’re much bigger than your opponent that can work…but that’s not going to get you far as you progress up the belt rank.
You have to understand the importance of leg manipulation.
Let’s go over an example of a setup I find very useful—whether you’re old, slow, big, or inexperienced, it still works.
Pinning a leg
To initial, you can grab both ankles and push one to a side, forcing them to commit to defending on their side. (Picture 1, left)
As a passer, this is advantageous to you. Any time they commit to one side, the position and angle favors the passer.
When you force them to one side, use that knee to pin down their leg. (Picture 1, left)
Picture 1
If not, the top leg will be used to pummel over and you’re forced to reset.
And even if you only have one leg as you force them to the side, you can anticipate the leg coming over and catch it. (You’ll look like a Jedi doing this.)
Duck under/leg drag position
Ducking under the top leg while hugging the leg will help you fall to your side. (Picture 2)
Picture 2
Grab hold of their belt like shown above for control. You want to stay attached to their hip, since a natural defense to this is to push the passer away.
Stabilize the position by holding onto their pants, leg, and keeping your knee pinning their knee. (Picture 3)
Picture 3
Turning the corner
You can turn the corner either side for a pass!
You can back step over the pinned leg or in Picture 3, you can turn around the top leg into a leg drag.
You can also enter the bolo/crab ride from here but more on that another day…
Closing Remarks
Once you’ve dropped to the duck under/leg drag position, make sure you stabilize. (Picture 3, left)
Even if you weren’t able to complete the pass, if you got to this position, consider it a win.
Staying attached to their hips is key to completing the pass.
There’s always a time to focus and always a time to be playful.
Don’t compromise either.
For The Dedicated
→ For white belts: Watch these escapes if you’re finding yourself stuck regularly. The same principals apply through all belts.
→ For blue belts: If you’re feeling down, just remember that “There’s something for everybody.” There’s more for you…listen to Joey Diaz's full podcast here.
→ For your wrestling: An interesting take on wrestling and how it’s changing the BJJ community.
→ For your mobility: The unspoken secret to Jiu-Jitsu success is longevity. Here are 6 easy stretches to make sure you maintain mobility so you can roll forever.