Double Under Pass BJJ: White Belt Biomechanics

Master the Double Under Pass in BJJ. This guide explains the precise biomechanics, common white belt mistakes, and drill progressions for beginners.

Passing
White

This pass initiates from a standing or kneeling position against a guard player attempting to control your legs. Its goal is to bypass the opponent's legs and establish side-control.

White belts often struggle by making the pass too linear and predictable, failing to break the opponent's posture and hip connection.

The key mechanical insight is to use your head and shoulder pressure to "smash" through their legs, creating space for your hips to pass.

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Contents

Grips & Mechanics

Grip the opponent's pants just above the knee with both hands. Your thumbs should point forward, fingers curled around the fabric.
Lower your hips until they are below the opponent's hips, creating a strong base. Your back should be relatively straight, not rounded.
Drive your head and left shoulder into the opponent's right hip, applying downward pressure. Your head should be positioned outside their hip line.
Simultaneously, drive your right knee forward and slightly across the opponent's body, aiming to get it past their center line.
As you drive forward, begin to extend your legs, pushing off the mat with your feet. This drives your hips through.
Maintain constant head and shoulder pressure, preventing the opponent from re-establishing their guard or hips.
Once your hips are past their legs, secure a grip on their far hip or waist with your right hand, and your left hand can transition to their collar or shoulder to maintain control.
Extend your body to stand up slightly, keeping your weight on their hips and driving towards side control.

⚠️ White Belt Warnings

Incorrectly driving your head directly into the opponent's sternum can cause neck strain or concussion. The correct movement is to drive your head and shoulder into their hip pocket, outside their center line.
Bending your knees too deeply and allowing your own hips to fall too low can lead to a sweep or allow the opponent to trap your legs. Maintain a strong, athletic base with your hips just below theirs.
Trying to 'muscle' through without proper head and shoulder pressure creates a gap for the opponent to insert their knee or hip. Focus on the downward smash with your head and shoulder to break their structure.

Drill Progressions

Solo drilling: Practice the hip and head movement without a partner, focusing on hip angle and weight transfer. 50 repetitions.
Partner drill (0% resistance): Opponent lies on their back, you practice the entry and hip drive. No resistance. 20 repetitions per side.
Partner drill (25% resistance): Opponent offers minimal resistance, allowing you to practice the initial penetration and hip push. Focus on head/shoulder pressure. 15 repetitions per side.
Partner drill (50% resistance): Opponent tries to block with their legs but doesn't actively grip. You focus on breaking their base and driving through. 10 repetitions per side.
Partner drill (75% resistance): Opponent actively attempts to defend their guard, but without full commitment. Practice maintaining pressure and hip connection. 5 repetitions per side.
Live rolling (90% resistance): Attempt the pass in sparring, focusing on applying the learned mechanics. Limit to 3-5 attempts per round. 5 rounds.

When to Use & Counters

WHEN TO ATTEMPT:
When the opponent has their knees to their chest in a closed guard and is trying to maintain distance.
When the opponent attempts to open their guard and create space, offering an entry point.
When the opponent is in a loose half-guard and has not yet secured a strong cross-face or underhook.
PRIMARY COUNTERS:
Hip Escape (Shrimping): If the opponent drives their head into your hip, quickly shrimp your hips away to re-establish distance and prevent them from passing.
Knee Shield / Butterfly Hook: If the opponent gets their head to your hip, insert your knee between your hips and their chest, or establish a butterfly hook with your foot on their hip to create space and prevent them from driving through.
Framing with Forearms: If the opponent's head is too close, use your forearms to create a frame against their shoulders or head, pushing them away and preventing them from smashing your hips.

Watch step-by-step breakdowns from black belt instructors:

▶ Search Double Under Pass on YouTube

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📋 Competition Rules

IBJJF Rules → ADCC Rules → Competition Guide →

⚕️ Training Safety & Performance

🛡️ Injury Prevention 🔥 Warm-Up ⚖️ Weight Cutting 🧠 Mental Game 📋 Comp Prep

⚙️ Recommended Gear

🥋 Best BJJ Gi 🦷 Best Mouthguard

Common BJJ Problems & FAQ

Q: Why does my neck hurt when I try the Double Under Pass?

Your neck is likely hurting because you are driving your head directly into the opponent's chest or shoulder, rather than their hip pocket. This creates a rigid impact. Instead, aim to place the side of your head and shoulder onto their hip bone, allowing your body to drive through them biomechanically.

Q: How do I perform the Double Under Pass against a much bigger opponent?

Against a larger opponent, leverage and timing are crucial. Focus on the "smash" aspect of the pass by driving your head and shoulder into their hip with maximum downward force. Use your legs to drive your hips past their center line, rather than trying to lift or push them.

Q: When is the best time to transition from a failed Double Under Pass attempt?

If the opponent successfully defends and maintains their guard, or if you lose hip connection, do not force the pass. Instead, immediately transition to a different pass like a knee-slice or pressure pass, or reset to a more neutral position. Attempting to force a failed pass often leads to giving up your own position.

Guard Pass Torreando Pass Knee Slice Pass Leg Drag Pass Headquarters Pass