Become Fighter
The stack pass and passing safely: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
Folding the legs over their body, and staying safe from sweeps and submissions while you pass.
The stack pass puts the weight of your body on top of their hips. You lift their legs towards their head and walk round, so their lower back and hips are pressed into the mat.
Stacking is heavy and it is not for everyone. Go gently with a partner, and never force the neck or spine. Stop at once if the partner says so, especially with older or less flexible training partners.
Key points
- Pressure comes from your chest and shoulders on their thighs, not from lifting with your back.
- Keep your head up and look to the side. Never drop your head into their hips.
- Walk round their legs with small steps, with your hips high enough to cover them.
- Watch the omoplata and the triangle. Keep your elbows tight and hands off their hips as you stack.
- Do not stack into the neck of a partner. Fold the legs only as far as their hips allow.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Dropping the head into the hips. Keep your head high. A dropped head feeds the triangle and the guillotine.
- Cranking the neck. Stack only as far as the hips allow. If your partner grunts, ease off immediately.
- Reaching with the arms. Keep your elbows tight. Loose arms are easy to catch for an armbar or omoplata.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Passing the guard module of Jiu-jitsu foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Passing the guard
- Posture, base and opening the guard: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
- The knee cut pass: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
- Toreando and speed passing: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide
← All Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.