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TechniquePassingFoundation

Knee cut pass

A guard pass that slices one knee across the thigh while controlling the upper body.

How to read it

What this entry helps you see

The knee cut pass drives a knee across the near thigh while your upper body control keeps the guard player from recovering or taking the back. Weight distribution and a far-side connection decide the outcome more than speed.

Key steps

  1. From inside the guard, control the near leg and secure a cross-face or underhook on the far side.
  2. Angle your hips and slice your near knee across the top of the partner thigh.
  3. Keep your weight forward so the partner cannot recover the knee line.
  4. Free your trailing foot and slide the knee to the mat.
  5. Settle into side control, controlling the head and near hip.

Study cues

  1. Control the far side to limit hip movement
  2. Slice the knee across the thigh while staying heavy
  3. Clear the outside leg before settling into the pin

Common errors

  1. Cutting the knee while light on the top player
  2. Leaving the far arm free so the back is exposed
  3. Rushing the slice before clearing the near leg