BJJ Basics – Back Control
BJJ Basics – Back Control
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, no matter how much of a submission hunter you may be – or want to be – the fact is: positional dominance is crucial. In this Kingz blog series, we’re delving into some of the key positions in the world of jiu-jitsu. Up on base: the back control.
Back control is one of the most – and for some, the most – dominant positions in BJJ… as you’ll see in the “hierarchy of BJJ positions” charts, back control reigns supreme. When you secure your opponent’s back, you put your opponent in an incredibly vulnerable and defensive position, increasing the likelihood that he/she will get desperate and make a mistake that will ultimately secure you the win, either via points or by submission.
Understanding Back Control
Just like it sounds, back control is when you are controlling your opponent’s movements with the front of your torso more or less glued to his/her back, keeping yourself there with either a traditional “seatbelt” (one arm looped over the shoulder and the other hooked under the opposite arm) or some other grip variation that keeps you connected.
Ideally – especially in points-based tournaments – you will want both hooks in (both your legs looped around the front of your opponent, your feet resting between his/her legs). Make sure you don’t cross your ankles, as you might put yourself in danger of a sneaky and very painful footlock. However, you may find you only need one hook in to maintain the position, or if your legs are long enough, you can also secure what’s called a “body triangle.”
Key Principles of Back Control
Mastering the back control requires understanding a few key principles:
- Eliminate the Space: Connection is key in back control, so any space you allow your opponent will give him/her an opportunity to escape. Focus on pulling your opponent into your chest with both your arms and legs. If you happen to be blessed – or cursed, depending on how you view it – with long limbs, think about bringing your elbows and heels behind you.
- Maintain Head Control: Think of your head as another point of control. The farther away from your opponent it is, the more space you give your him/her. Focus on keeping your head glued to your opponent’s head, ear-to-ear, with your chin tucked over his/her shoulder.
- Make Micro-Adjustments: Your opponent is going to be desperate to get you off his/her back. He/she will be moving… a lot. Maintain back control by making micro-adjustments that keep putting you back into optimal position, the front of your shoulders lined up with the back of their shoulders.
- Know When to Transition: At some point, your opponent may be able to break that chest-to-back connection. You need to know when to abandon the back and transition to another dominant position. Typically, this will be mount.
Common Submissions from Back Control
Back control offers a number of really nice, juicy submission opportunities, which, if executed well, will be incredibly satisfying (and look great on your Instagram). Here are a few options:
Rear-Naked Choke (RNC):
Bow and Arrow Choke (Gi-Specific):
Rear Triangle Choke:
Back control is a fundamental position that not only allows you to accumulate a lot of points, but also offers great opportunities for submissions. Mastering the technical details of back control – such as hooks, grips, and bodily connection – will make it difficult for your opponent to escape and give you ample opportunity to finish the fight.
Check out our other BJJ Basics blogs below: