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Speed Passing

Quick Introduction​

Speed passing is the dynamic approach to guard passing that prioritizes velocity and timing over sustained pressure. By rapidly navigating around the guard's defensive structures before the opponent can adjust, speed passing creates opportunities through movement rather than grinding control. This style excels against slower, strength-based opponents and when facing guards that rely on establishing grips and frameworks.

Technique Overview​

Style: Guard Passing - Speed and movement-based

Best against: Slower opponents, grip-dependent guards, static guards, larger/stronger players, established guard positions

Leads to: Side control, knee on belly, back mount

Speed Passing Main Variations​

🎯 Torreando Pass (Bullfighter Pass)​

Objective

Move opponent's legs to one side while circling your body to opposite side; pass before they can recover leg position

Main Characteristic

Standing or semi-standing position; control both legs at knees or ankles and throw them to one side while rapidly circling opposite direction - like a bullfighter dodging a bull

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Face opponent in open guard (standing or combat base)
  2. Establish grips on both legs (pants at knees or ankles)
  3. Take small step back to create tension
  4. Explosively throw both legs to one side (example: your right)
  5. Immediately circle your body to opposite side (your left)
  6. Release grips as you move past legs
  7. Drive chest toward their upper body
  8. Establish crossface and underhook
  9. Complete pass to side control or knee on belly
  10. Control position for 3+ seconds

Critical Details

  • Grip at knees more common for gi; ankles for no-gi
  • Throw and circle must be simultaneous and explosive
  • Don't reach for underhook before clearing legs completely
  • Head stays low during circle to prevent guillotine
  • Footwork is circular, not linear
  • Release leg grips at right moment - too early or late fails the pass

Tactical Advantage

Works on almost all open guards; fast execution prevents reactions; minimal strength required; excellent in no-gi; creates immediate side control opportunity; natural entry to knee on belly for points; builds speed passing fundamentals

🔒 Leg Drag Pass​

Objective

Drag opponent's leg across their body to trap both legs on one side; advance to back or side control while legs are entangled

Main Characteristic

Pull one leg across opponent's centerline using specific grip; their legs cross and become trapped while you advance to dominant position

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent in open guard (seated or on back)
  2. Control one leg at knee (same-side grip)
  3. Other hand controls their opposite collar, sleeve, or wrist
  4. Step to outside of controlled leg
  5. Pull leg across their body toward opposite side
  6. Drive that leg to mat with your hip/body
  7. Simultaneously circle behind them
  8. Chest drives onto their back or shoulder
  9. Take back control if they turn away
  10. Complete to side control if they stay flat
  11. Establish grips and secure position

Critical Details

  • Leg drag must go across centerline (crossing their legs)
  • Your hip/body pins dragged leg, not just your hand
  • Circling motion is critical - straight advancement fails
  • Upper body control (collar/sleeve) prevents them turning into you
  • Can finish in side control or back mount depending on their reaction
  • Timing when their leg is extended (not retracted)

Tactical Advantage

High-percentage modern pass; works excellently in no-gi; natural back take opportunity; difficult to counter once initiated; minimal strength required; opponent's leg position makes recovery nearly impossible; favorite among competitive grapplers

🌀 X-Pass (Crossover Pass)​

Objective

Cross your leg over opponent's bottom leg while controlling top leg; create scissor-like compression and advance to side control

Main Characteristic

One leg steps over their bottom leg while hands control their top leg; creates X or scissor shape with your legs around their bottom leg

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Opponent in open or half guard (on side)
  2. Control their top leg with both hands (knee and ankle)
  3. Step your inside leg over their bottom leg
  4. Drive your shin/knee down onto their bottom thigh
  5. Pull their top leg across your body
  6. Slide your outside leg back and through
  7. Free your inside leg from over position
  8. Drive chest toward their upper body
  9. Establish crossface and control
  10. Complete to side control
  11. Secure position with pressure

Critical Details

  • Stepping leg creates downward pressure on their bottom leg
  • Top leg must be pulled tight to prevent recovery
  • Don't stay in X position too long - pass through quickly
  • Works excellently from half guard bottom defense
  • Your bodyweight drives through the scissor motion
  • Head stays low to prevent them coming up to single leg

Tactical Advantage

Excellent from half guard scenarios; controls both legs simultaneously; minimal exposure to sweeps; quick transition to dominant position; works when opponent turtles or turns; teaches leg entanglement concepts; natural movement pattern

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Speed over strength - Move faster than defensive reactions; timing beats power
  2. 💪 Continuous motion - Never stop moving during pass; static speed passing fails
  3. ⏱️ Grip minimalism - Use grips to direct, not to hold; release and re-grip dynamically
  4. 🔄 Circular movement - Circle around guard, don't push through it; orbital patterns
  5. 🎮 Commitment required - Half-speed fails; must fully commit to direction
  6. 🛡️ Head protection - Keep head low and safe during rapid movement
  7. 🎯 Timing windows - Pass when they extend or adjust; capitalize on moments

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Orbital Theory: All speed passing uses circular movement around opponent's center of gravity
  • Space Management: Exploit created space rather than filling it; move through openings
  • Weight Distribution: Minimal weight during movement; maximum weight only at completion
  • Maintenance of Support: Light connection during pass; firm connection at finish
  • Movement Adaptation: Constant position change; prevent opponent from establishing defenses

Guard-Specific Applications​

Against Spider Guard:

  • Torreando neutralizes sleeve grips through leg throw
  • Speed prevents them from replacing feet on biceps
  • Break grips as you circle

Against Lasso Guard:

  • Leg drag works excellently against lasso entanglement
  • Pull trapped arm free during leg drag motion
  • Circle away from lasso side

Against De La Riva:

  • Torreando clears DLR hook with leg throw
  • Leg drag from DLR is high-percentage
  • Speed prevents hook replacement

Against Seated Guard:

  • All speed passes work from standing vs seated
  • Torreando is primary technique
  • Timing when they're establishing grips

Against Half Guard:

  • X-pass specifically designed for half guard
  • Leg drag also works with proper setup
  • Speed prevents lockdown establishment

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Passing too slowly - Speed passing at medium pace gets caught; commit fully or don't attempt

⚠️ Stopping mid-pass - Continuous motion is essential; stopping allows guard recovery

⚠️ Reaching before clearing legs - Don't grab for crossface until legs are completely passed

⚠️ Linear movement - Straight-line passing gets blocked; must use circular patterns

⚠️ Over-gripping - Holding too tight slows you down; use grips to direct, then release

⚠️ Head too high - Vulnerable to guillotine and front headlock; stay low

⚠️ Poor timing - Attempting speed pass when they're set and ready; wait for moments

⚠️ No backup plan - If speed pass fails, must chain to another technique immediately

🥋 Speed Passing Entries and Setups​

From Standing vs Seated Guard​

Setup: Opponent seated, you standing

Execution:

  1. Establish leg grips (knees or ankles)
  2. Create distance and tension
  3. Execute torreando as they try to establish grips
  4. Circle to side control
  5. Most fundamental speed passing scenario

Key Details: Standing position enables speed passing; don't sit down into their guard

Tactical Use: Primary speed passing entry; common in competition

From Open Guard Engagement​

Setup: Both players engaging in open guard battle

Execution:

  1. Fight for grips - collar, sleeve, legs
  2. When their leg extends (spider, lasso, DLR)
  3. Immediately execute leg drag or torreando
  4. Use their extension against them
  5. Complete pass before they retract

Key Details: Extended leg is vulnerability; timing is everything

Tactical Use: Capitalize on their guard establishment attempts

From Half Guard Top​

Setup: You're passing, one leg in half guard

Execution:

  1. Free your trapped leg slightly (create space)
  2. Control their top leg
  3. Execute X-pass stepping over bottom leg
  4. Complete to side control
  5. Speed prevents lockdown

Key Details: X-pass is specialist half guard speed technique

Tactical Use: Alternative to pressure passing half guard; see Half Guard Passing

From Failed Pressure Pass​

Setup: Pressure pass attempt gets stalled

Execution:

  1. Begin pressure pass (double-under, over-under)
  2. They create strong frames and stiff defense
  3. Immediately abandon pressure
  4. Switch to torreando or leg drag
  5. Their defensive tension aids speed pass
  6. Complete pass using speed

Key Details: Combination passing at highest level; pressure sets up speed

Tactical Use: Keeps opponent guessing; most effective approach combines styles

From Standing Guard Break​

Setup: Breaking closed guard while standing

Execution:

  1. Stand up in closed guard
  2. Break guard open
  3. Immediately torreando before they re-guard
  4. Speed prevents guard recovery
  5. Complete to side control

Key Details: Window after guard break is perfect speed pass opportunity

Tactical Use: Natural progression; standing break flows to speed pass

From Knee Slice Entry​

Setup: Opponent's guard creates opening

Execution:

  1. Control one leg (inside position)
  2. Slice knee across their bottom leg
  3. Other leg steps back and around
  4. Complete knee slice pass rapidly
  5. Establish side control

Key Details: Knee slice is speed-based variation; see Half Guard Passing

Tactical Use: Extremely high-percentage in modern BJJ; competition staple

🎓 Training Progressions​

Solo Drills​

  1. Torreando Footwork (10 reps each side)

    • Visualize opponent's guard
    • Practice throw-and-circle motion
    • Focus on foot placement and speed
    • Build circular movement pattern
    • No partner needed

  2. Leg Drag Movement (10 reps each side)

    • Shadow practice leg drag steps
    • Focus on circling motion
    • Build muscle memory for direction change
    • Visualize leg position throughout

  3. Speed Passing Stance Flow (5 minutes)

    • Move between different speed passing stances
    • Practice quick direction changes
    • Build footwork agility
    • Simulate guard passing movements

Partner Drills​

Level 1: Technique Execution (Cooperative)

  • Partner in open guard, no resistance
  • Practice torreando, leg drag, X-pass
  • Focus on proper technique steps
  • 10 reps each side, each technique
  • Build movement patterns

Level 2: Timed Passing (Light Resistance - 25%)

  • Partner gives light resistance
  • Execute speed passes with timing
  • Focus on commitment and speed
  • 5 complete passes each side
  • Partner helps you learn

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

  • Start in guard
  • You speed pass, they defend and retain
  • Focus on reading reactions and timing
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Switch roles

Level 4: Live Passing (100%)

  • Full resistance guard passing
  • Use all speed passing techniques
  • Deal with grips, frames, guard recovery
  • 5-minute rounds
  • Competition simulation

Common Drill Sequences​

Drill 1: Three Speed Passes Flow

  1. Start in open guard (standing)
  2. Execute torreando → reset
  3. Execute leg drag → reset
  4. Execute X-pass → reset
  5. 5 complete cycles
  6. Focus on smooth, fast execution

Drill 2: Failed Pass Chain

  1. Attempt torreando
  2. If blocked, immediately switch to leg drag
  3. If blocked again, switch to X-pass
  4. Never stop moving
  5. Complete pass or reset after three attempts
  6. Builds chaining and problem-solving

Drill 3: Guard Type Recognition

  1. Partner cycles through guards (spider → lasso → DLR → seated)
  2. You identify guard type
  3. Execute appropriate speed pass for each
  4. Builds recognition speed
  5. 10-minute continuous flow

Drill 4: Grip Fighting to Pass

  1. Start standing vs seated
  2. Both players fight for grips
  3. First moment of advantage, execute speed pass
  4. Builds realistic timing
  5. 3-minute rounds

See movement principles

Progression Timeline​

Following training methods:

  • Week 1-2: Torreando fundamentals, footwork basics
  • Week 3-4: Leg drag introduction, circular movement
  • Week 5-8: X-pass, combining techniques, timing development
  • Month 3-6: Speed passing becomes automatic, guard recognition
  • Month 6+: Advanced timing, competition specialization

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide​

Problem: They keep blocking my speed pass​

Solution:

  1. Check your timing - may be telegraphing the pass
  2. Ensure full commitment (no half-speed attempts)
  3. Use feints to create openings
  4. Chain passes together - one sets up next
  5. May need to pressure pass first, then switch to speed

Problem: I can't get the grips I need​

Solution:

  1. Improve grip fighting skills
  2. Create grips through footwork and movement
  3. Use feints and misdirection
  4. Time grip attempts when they're adjusting
  5. Some passes require grip breaking first

Problem: I get swept during speed pass attempt​

Solution:

  1. Don't commit weight forward too early
  2. Keep wide base during initial movement
  3. Head position low but not reaching
  4. May be attempting from too close
  5. Create distance before attempting

Problem: I stop mid-pass and get stuck​

Solution:

  1. Commit fully - finish the movement
  2. Practice continuous motion in drilling
  3. Don't grab crossface too early
  4. Keep feet moving throughout entire pass
  5. Plan the complete path before starting

Problem: They recover guard easily​

Solution:

  1. Not controlling their legs long enough
  2. Releasing grips too early in pass
  3. Need immediate crossface and pressure at end
  4. May not be circling far enough around
  5. Secure position for full 3 seconds

Problem: Torreando doesn't create enough space​

Solution:

  1. Throw legs more aggressively (commit to movement)
  2. Grip positioning may be too close to hips
  3. Circle wider around their guard
  4. Create more initial distance before throw
  5. May need grip at ankles instead of knees

Problem: Leg drag keeps failing​

Solution:

  1. Leg must cross their centerline completely
  2. Upper body control (collar/sleeve) is critical
  3. Your hip must pin their leg, not just hand
  4. Circling motion is as important as drag
  5. Timing when leg is extended, not retracted

🎯 Belt-Level Expectations​

White Belt Goals​

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand speed passing concept (Month 5-6)
  • Basic torreando from standing position
  • Recognize when speed passing is appropriate
  • Develop footwork for circular movement
  • Begin timing passes with opponent's movements

Blue Belt Development​

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • All three main speed passes functional
  • Consistent success against white belts
  • Grip fighting proficiency
  • Chain speed passes together
  • Combine pressure and speed approaches
  • Teaching torreando to beginners

Purple Belt Mastery​

  • Speed pass against blue/purple resistance
  • Advanced timing and reading
  • Competition-level speed passing
  • Teaching all speed variations
  • Style specialization (speed passing specialist potential)
  • Guard recognition becomes automatic
  • Seamless pressure-to-speed transitions

🎯 Next Steps​

After mastering speed passing:

  1. Learn pressure passing → Pressure Passing for complete game
  2. Specialize half guard → Half Guard Passing
  3. Perfect knee on belly → Knee on Belly common speed pass result
  4. Study guard retention → Guard Dynamics to understand defense
  5. Develop back takes → Back Mount from leg drag
  6. Competition application → Speed passing is competitive BJJ staple

🔗 Related Resources​

Guard Passing System​

Positions After Passing​

Guard Types to Pass​

Theoretical Foundation​

Movement and Footwork​

Progress Tracking​