BJJ Pressure Passing: Pin, Flatten and Pass the Guard
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 1 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
☰Contents
Master BJJ pressure passing with torreando, smash pass and headquarters position to pin and flatten guards.
Pressure passing uses weight, friction and stacking to flatten the guard player and remove their mobility. It's one of the most reliable passing styles at all levels.
Contents
Core Pressure Passes
| Pass | Entry | Best Against |
|---|---|---|
| Torreando | Hip pummelling | Open guards |
| Smash pass | Stack and drive | Half guard / butterfly |
| Knee slide | HQ position | Lasso / spider guard |
| Leg weave | HQ position | Open guard |
Pressure Passing Principles
- Kill the frames: Remove elbows from your hips before advancing.
- Flatten first: Stack and flatten hips before attempting the pass.
- Pin the far shoulder: Once passing, pin the far shoulder to prevent re-guard.
Common Pressure Passing Mistakes
- Trying to pass before breaking the guard player's frames
- Staying too upright (reduces pressure)
- Forgetting to control the far arm when passing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pressure passing in BJJ?
Pressure passing uses body weight and friction to flatten the guard player, remove their frames and prevent hip movement — then slowly advance position.
Is pressure passing better than speed passing?
Both styles are effective. Pressure passing is typically more reliable against flexible guards and in older athletes. Speed passing is more effective against heavy, stiff guards.
What is the headquarters position?
Headquarters (HQ) is a kneeling passing position where you control one leg outside and one knee down inside, giving access to both leg weave and torreando entries.