Footwork - Cross Step

Words I Like - “My game is a lot about footwork. If I move well, I play well” -Roger Federer

Outlier Mat Minute: Footwork - Cross Step

Precise footwork is extremely helpful with loose passing. It allows us to create an initial angle and go side to side on our opponent. A cross step is a great opening move, using footwork to create an initial angle.

• Cross Step: Create an initial angle and potentially get a quick guard pass.

  • Gordon Ryan cross step to guard pass

• Outside camping: If you do not pass the guard right away, keep your angular advantage by transitioning into outside camping.

  • Andrew Tackett cross step into outside camping

• Control the far leg: Control their far leg so you can follow up the cross step with a quick leg drag to the other side.

  • Andrew Tackett Example 1

  • Me teaching this in my guard passing instructional

• Seated to supine: When forcing the seated guard player supine, we can pick up their legs. When we pick up one leg, walk your own feet to the opposite side. This way you control the far leg to set up the cross step.

  • Nicky Rod example

As promised, jiu-jitsu insights in under 1 minute!

P.S. When doing the cross step, try to have your knee facing their hips to avoid the guard player attacking your legs. Example here.