We’ve all been there. You’re rolling with some young buck who’s got a guard game that makes you feel like you’re trying to solve a Rubik’s cube in the dark. Your knees are crying, your lower back is sending you hate mail, and you’re pretty sure attempting another standing guard pass might result in your obituary reading “He died doing what he loved: getting triangle choked.”
Enter the over-under pass – the lazy grappler’s best friend and the answer to your guard-passing prayers. This isn’t just another technique; this is the grown-up way to pass guard without feeling like you just ran a marathon.
Why the Over-Under Pass is Perfect for the Distinguished Grappler
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, let me tell you why this pass should be your new best friend:
- Zero jumping required (your knees will thank you)
- Works against pretty much any guard (except maybe rubber guard, but let’s be honest, we’re too old for that nonsense)
- Uses pressure and leverage instead of speed and athleticism
- Can be done at the pace of a gentle Sunday stroll
- Perfect for when your cardio is more “dad bod” than “rad bod”
The Setup: Getting Your Grips Right
First things first, you need to establish your grips. And no, this isn’t like trying to open that jar of pickles that’s been in your fridge since Obama was president – these grips are actually achievable.
- Start by kneeling in front of your opponent’s guard
- Get your first grip on their same-side pants at the knee (I prefer the right side, but you do you)
- Your other hand goes under their opposite leg, grabbing the fabric at their hip
Pro Old Man Tip: If your opponent is wearing those fancy new No-Gi pants that feel like trying to grip a greased watermelon, grab the meat of their hamstring instead. It’s not pretty, but neither is your dad jokes collection.
The Position: Setting Up Your Old Man Strength
Now here’s where we put our dad bod to good use:
- Drive your shoulder into their thigh on the underhook side
- Keep your head on the outside (unless you enjoy being triangled)
- Your overhook arm should pin their leg tight to your chest
- Sprawl your legs back slightly – think “melting into the mat” not “doing the splits”
Crucial Old Person Detail: Keep your spine aligned. This isn’t the time to twist like you’re trying to crack your back after a long day at the office.
The Pass: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
Here’s the magic part, where we channel our inner sloth and make this pass happen:
- Start walking your feet toward their head, keeping pressure the whole time
- Your underhook hand starts to creep up toward their armpit
- As you walk up, their legs will naturally start to flatten
- When their legs flatten, slide your knee through on the overhook side
Remember: This should feel like you’re slowly deflating their guard, not like you’re trying to win a race.
Common Mistakes That’ll Have You Visiting the Chiropractor
Let’s avoid these classic blunders:
- Rushing the pass (we’re not 25 anymore, speed is not our friend)
- Lifting your head up (hello triangle, my old friend)
- Losing pressure during the walk-up (this isn’t a casual stroll through the park)
- Trying to muscle through resistance (leverage over force, grasshopper)
Troubleshooting: When Things Go Wrong
Because they will. They always do.
If They Start Shrimping Away
- Follow them like you’re trying to get the last slice of pizza
- Maintain that pressure and connection
- Keep your head positioned safely on the outside
If They Try to Recover Guard
- Double down on your pressure
- Keep their legs flattened with your bodyweight
- Remember: slow is smooth, smooth is fast
If They Try to Kimura Your Underhook
- Keep your elbow tight to your body
- Think “T-Rex arms” not “jazz hands”
- Consider transitioning to head and arm control
Advanced Tips for the Distinguished Practitioner
Once you’ve got the basics down, here are some crafty old person modifications:
- Use hip switches to create even more pressure
- Combine with the knee cut pass when they resist
- Set up submissions from the passing position
- Learn to feel when they’re about to escape and adjust accordingly
Recovery and Maintenance
Because let’s face it, we need to talk about this:
- Stretch your hips before and after training this pass
- Work on this technique early in your rolls when you’re still fresh
- Practice the walking motion slowly during warm-ups
- Don’t be afraid to tap if something doesn’t feel right
Conclusion: The Path to Pressure Passing Enlightenment
The over-under pass isn’t just a technique; it’s a lifestyle choice for the distinguished grappler. It’s choosing efficiency over athleticism, pressure over speed, and technique over force. It’s the difference between leaving the gym feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck and leaving with enough energy to still help your kids with their homework.
Remember, as the ancient BJJ proverb goes: “Why move fast when slow do trick?”
Now get out there and start smashing some guards… at a very reasonable and controlled pace, of course.
P.S. If anyone asks why you’re moving so slowly, just tell them you’re marinating in the position. It sounds better than “I’m catching my breath.