aliases:
  - back back
  - back mount

Back Control

Back Control is a dominant position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the practitioner controls their opponent from behind, often referred to as having "the back." This position is highly advantageous because it limits the opponent’s ability to defend while providing numerous submission opportunities. Back Control aligns with the Positional Hierarchy principle, ranking among the most dominant positions in BJJ.

Key Features of Back Control

Chest-to-Back Connection

Maintain close contact between your chest and the opponent’s back to limit their ability to escape.

Hooks

Use your legs to secure the opponent’s hips by placing your feet or insteps inside their thighs, controlling their lower body.

Seatbelt Grip

Secure the upper body with one arm over the opponent's shoulder and the other under their armpit, locking your hands together. This grip ensures control while protecting your position.

Head Position

Keep your head close to the opponent’s to avoid strikes in self-defense scenarios and enhance your ability to control their movement.

Objectives of Back Control

Maintain the Position

Use your Hooks, seatbelt grip, and chest-to-back connection to keep the opponent from escaping.
Adjust your positioning to follow their movements and avoid losing control.

Submit the Opponent

Threaten the opponent with submissions like the Rear Naked Choke, Bow and Arrow, or Triangle Choke.
Exploit openings created when the opponent defends your attacks.

Transition if Necessary

Move to Mount or Technical Mount if the opponent breaks your control but does not escape fully.
Switch to Turtle Top if they transition to Turtle Guard.

Common Submissions from Back Control

Rear Naked Choke: A highly effective choke applied by wrapping the arms around the opponent’s neck.
Bow and Arrow: A gi-specific choke that uses the lapel for leverage.
Triangle Choke: Applied from back control when the opponent leaves their arm or neck exposed.
Armbar: Transitioned to when the opponent defends chokes by overextending their arms.

Defensive Strategies for the Opponent

While on the back, the opponent will typically attempt to:

Escape using Backdoor Escape or Bridge and Roll to dislodge the Hooks.
Remove the seatbelt grip through Grip Fighting.
Turn into Closed Guard or Side Control Bottom to neutralize your control.

Common Mistakes in Back Control

Loose Chest-to-Back Connection

Allows the opponent to create space and escape.

Neglecting Hooks

Failing to secure Hooks can result in losing control over the opponent’s hips.

Poor Seatbelt Grip

Weak Grips Overview can lead to lost control or failed submission attempts.

Forcing Submissions

Rushing submissions without maintaining position risks losing Back Control.

Back Control is a cornerstone of BJJ, emphasizing Controlling Center Line, Pressure, and Leverage. Success in this position relies on maintaining control, staying adaptable, and exploiting openings for submissions while adhering to Positional Layering.

Advancing Back Control

Transitions from Back Control

Transition to Mount by rolling the opponent and stepping over their hips.
Transition to Technical Mount by isolating their arm and shifting to a side position.
Transition to Turtle Top if the opponent escapes your Hooks but stays in a defensive posture.
Move to a Side Control if they turn into you while escaping.

Submissions from Back Control

Rear Naked Choke by securing the neck and applying pressure.
Bow and Arrow choke by using the opponent’s lapel for leverage.
Armbar by isolating and extending the opponent’s arm during grip defense.
Triangle Choke if the opponent exposes their arm and neck while defending.
Cross Collar Choke by controlling the lapel and pulling across their neck.

Sweeps from Back Control

If the opponent bridges or overcommits in defense, roll them forward to Mount or a dominant position.