Deep Underhook

The Deep Underhook is a dominant grip and position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling where your arm reaches deeply under your opponent’s arm and secures control around their torso, typically near their back. This grip allows you to dominate the opponent’s upper body, control their Center of Gravity, and set up sweeps, takedowns, or positional advances.

Key Features of the Deep Underhook

Arm Position

  • Your arm threads under your opponent’s arm and extends deeply, often wrapping around their back or torso.

Grip Options

  • Use a Gable Grip or S-Grip to connect your hands if you secure their body.
  • Alternatively, you can clasp behind their shoulder or grab their far side for tighter control.

Chest Connection

  • Your chest stays close to their body, maintaining tightness and preventing space.

Head Placement

  • Ideally, your head is positioned close to or below their head, often against their chest, to block their ability to pummel for Underhooks or counter.

Uses in BJJ

Control

  • The Deep Underhook provides strong control over your opponent, preventing them from escaping or creating offensive grips.

Takedown Setups

Guard Work

Escapes

Pass Control

  • Can be used to flatten an opponent in passing scenarios, especially when combined with Crossface pressure.

Advantages

  • Provides superior positional control, allowing you to dictate the pace and direction of the match.
  • Limits your opponent’s offensive options by denying them underhooks and controlling their posture.
  • Opens up opportunities for submissions, sweeps, and positional advancements.

Tips for Effective Use

Stay Tight

  • Avoid leaving space between your chest and their torso, as this allows them to recover or counter.

Head Placement

  • Keep your head lower than theirs to dominate the Center Line and prevent their ability to pummel inside.

Use Angles

  • Pair the Deep Underhook with hip movement or circling to create angles for attacks.

Combine with Pressure

  • Add shoulder or chest pressure to break their posture and further limit their options.

Common Mistakes

Shallow Underhook

  • A shallow underhook (not reaching deeply enough) is weaker and can be countered easily with a whizzer or pummeling.

Poor Posture

  • Keeping your head too high or out of position exposes you to guillotines or Snap-Downs.

Overcommitting

  • Driving too far without maintaining a strong Base can leave you vulnerable to sweeps or counters.

Neglecting the Opponent’s Base

  • If you don’t address their posture or legs, they may maintain balance or escape.

Variations and Combinations

Deep Underhook to Back Take

  • Transitioning from the underhook to the back by circling and controlling the far hip.

Deep Underhook and Knee Tap

  • Using the underhook to drive their weight forward while sweeping their leg for a takedown.

Deep Underhook with Crossface

  • Adding a crossface to flatten the opponent and pass their Half Guard.

The Deep Underhook is a cornerstone grip in grappling that enables you to establish dominance, control transitions, and open opportunities for offense. Mastering this grip will enhance your ability to maintain Connections, control Angles, and neutralize your opponent’s attacks.