Crazy Leg Pass to Side Control

The Crazy Leg Pass is a dynamic and effective guard pass that can catch your opponent off-guard due to its unconventional movement and quick transition into a dominant position. Once the pass is executed, you immediately secure Side Control, allowing you to establish control and set up further attacks or submissions. Here’s a step-by-step description of how to perform the Crazy Leg Pass and transition into Side Control:

Step-by-Step Description:

1. Engage the Guard:
• Approach with a Strong Base: Begin by engaging your opponent’s guard (typically the open guard or a similar variation). Maintain a strong base by keeping your knees slightly bent and your posture upright, with your hands ready to control your opponent’s legs.
• Control the Legs: Use your hands to control your opponent’s legs, either by gripping their ankles, shins, or pants if in GI. This control is crucial for manipulating their guard and setting up the Crazy Leg Pass.
2. Initiate the Crazy Leg Movement:
• Unorthodox Leg Swing: Start the Crazy Leg Pass by swinging one of your legs (typically the leg closest to your opponent’s body) over their corresponding leg. This movement is quick and unexpected, aiming to bypass their guard.
• Control the Opponent’s Leg: As you swing your leg over, use your hand on the same side to push their leg down, pinning it against the mat or your own leg. This limits their ability to recover guard or counter your pass.
3. Pass the Guard:
• Move the Legs Aside: Once your leg has bypassed their guard, use your hands and body movement to shift their legs aside, clearing your path to a dominant position.
• Secure the Position: As you move their legs out of the way, immediately position your body into Side Control, ensuring you have full control over their upper body and hips.
4. Transition into Side Control:
• Establish Control: After successfully passing their guard, transition into Side Control by positioning your body perpendicular to your opponent’s. Your chest should be pressed against theirs, with your hips close to their hips.
• Secure the Position:
• Head-Side Arm: Place your arm closest to their head under their neck, gripping their far shoulder or controlling the back of their neck. This arm helps control their upper body and limits their ability to escape.
• Hip-Side Arm: Position your other arm across their waist or under their far-side arm, gripping their back or belt (in GI). This arm prevents them from bridging or regaining guard.
• Leg Positioning: Keep your legs wide for stability. The leg closest to their head should be extended out for balance, while the leg closest to their hips should be bent, with the knee either touching the mat or pressing against their hip.
5. Maintain Side Control:
• Apply Consistent Pressure: Use your body weight to apply pressure on your opponent’s chest and abdomen, making it difficult for them to move or escape.
• Stay Tight: Keep your chest close to their body and your arms securely in place. Avoid giving them any space to recover or attempt an escape.
6. Prepare for Further Attacks:
• Look for Submissions: From Side Control, you can now begin to look for submission opportunities such as an Americana, Kimura, or transitioning to mount.
• Control the Position: Maintain your dominant position, keeping your opponent under control and neutralising any attempts to escape or counter.

Key Points for Crazy Leg Pass to Side Control:

• Control your opponent’s legs to initiate the pass effectively.
• Use the unorthodox leg swing to bypass their guard quickly and unpredictably.
• Move the legs aside to clear the path and secure the position.
• Transition smoothly into Side Control by securing head-side and hip-side grips.
• Apply consistent pressure to maintain control and set up further attacks or submissions.

The Crazy Leg Pass is an exciting and effective way to surprise your opponent and take control of the fight. By quickly transitioning into Side Control, you can establish a dominant position and begin working towards submissions or further control, making it a valuable technique in both competition and self-defence scenarios.