Leg Drag Pass: The Angle-Based Pass That Completes Your System
By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 1, 2026
The Leg Drag Pass is the definition of “modern” Jiu-Jitsu.
While old-school passes relied on heavy pressure or speed, the Leg Drag relies on structure. It was popularized in the 2010s by the Mendes Brothers (Rafa and Gui), who used it to dissect the best guards in the world. They proved that if you can drag an opponent’s leg across your hip, you effectively disable their entire guard.
In this guide, we break down the mechanics of the Leg Drag and how to use it to freeze your opponents.
Table of Contents
What is the Leg Drag Pass?
The Leg Drag is a position where you drag one of your opponent’s legs across your body, pinning it with your hip or chest.
- The Position: You are standing or kneeling, with their leg trapped between your body and your arm.
- The Advantage: Their hips are turned away from you. They cannot bridge, shrimp, or use that leg to defend.
- The Goal: To pass to Side Control or take the back.
As Evolve MMA notes, the Leg Drag is not just a pass; it is a “hub” that connects passing to back takes.
The 2 Core Mechanics
To make the Leg Drag work, you need two things:
1. The Drag (Redirect)
You must move their leg past the centerline of your body.
- Grip: Grab their ankle or pant leg.
- Motion: Don’t just pull with your arm. Step your opposite leg back and twist your hips to drag their leg into the “pocket” of your hip.
2. The Pin (Cement)
Once the leg is across, you must glue it there.
- Chest Pressure: Drop your chest onto their thigh/hip to pin them down.
- The Wedge: Drive your knee into the space between their legs to stop them from turning back into you.
Top 3 Entries to the Leg Drag
You can enter the Leg Drag from almost anywhere.
1. From De La Riva (The Classic)
When the opponent has a De La Riva hook:
- Break the Grip: Pop their hand off your collar.
- Push Down: Push their DLR hook down to clear your leg.
- Drag: Immediately drag that leg across your body and drop your weight onto their hip.
2. The “Fake” Toreando
This is the Toreando Pass combination.
- Throw By: Fake a throw to the left.
- Reaction: When they open their leg to defend, catch it.
- Drag: Drag it back to the right, pinning it to your hip.
3. From Double Pull (Crab Ride)
If you are in the Crab Ride:
- Transition: Push one of their legs down, leg drag it across your chest, and climb up to the back or top position.
Finishing: Pass or Back Take?
Once you have the position, you have a choice.
Option A: Side Control
- Action: Keep your chest heavy. Walk your feet around their head (North-South direction) to flatten them out completely. Establish Side Control.
Option B: The Back Take
- Action: If they turn away to escape the pressure, they expose their back.
- Finish: Insert your seatbelt grip, throw your hooks in, and secure Back Control.
Troubleshooting: Why You Lose the Position
Mistake #1: Being Too Upright
If you stand tall, they will kick their leg free.
The Fix: Get heavy. Drop your chest onto their thigh. Your weight should be on them, not your feet.
Mistake #2: Lazy Elbows
If your elbow is flared out, they can frame and recover guard.
The Fix: Pinch your elbow tight to your ribs to lock their leg in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do Leg Drag in No-Gi?
Yes. In No-Gi, you grab the ankle or heel. It is slippery, so you must rely more on your hip pressure and “shelving” their leg on your thigh.
How do I defend the Leg Drag?
You must frame against their shoulder and “high leg” (swing your top leg over their head) to realign your spine.
Conclusion
The Leg Drag Pass is essential for anyone who wants to pass modern guards. It shuts down the opponent’s offense before you even pass.
Start by drilling the “Drag and Pin” motion from the De La Riva guard.