Standing Back Control

Standing Back Control is a dominant position where you maintain control of your opponent from behind while both of you are standing. It is a transitional position that can lead to takedowns, submissions, or further positional dominance.

Core Principles

Connections

  • Maintain tight physical connection to limit your opponent's ability to escape or turn towards you.

Fundamentals/Base and Balance

  • Keep a solid base and posture to prevent being thrown off or reversed.

Pressure

  • Apply downward pressure to break your opponent's balance while keeping control of their hips.

Control Points

Chest-to-Back Connection

  • Stay glued to your opponent with your chest pressing into their back.

Seatbelt Grip

  • Use a Figure-Four Grip or Gable Grip around their upper body, with one arm over their shoulder and the other under their opposite armpit.

Hips and Legs

  • Your legs should mirror their movement to maintain control of their hips. You can hook one or both legs to restrict their motion.

Key Objectives

Prevent Escape

  • Use Hooks or a tight grip to stop the opponent from turning in or disengaging.

Break Their Balance

  • Pull them backward slightly while keeping your hips close to theirs.

Transition or Attack

Common Mistakes

Loose Connection

  • Allowing space between your chest and their back makes it easier for them to escape or counter.

Overcommitting to Hooks

  • If you commit too deeply to a hook without proper upper body control, you risk losing position.

Poor Base

  • Failing to maintain balance can result in being thrown or reversed.

Standing Back Control is powerful when combined with an understanding of Distance Management and proper application of Leverage. It’s often used in combination with Snap-Down to Front Headlock or as a setup for back takes on the ground.

Advancing Standing Back Control

Transitions from Standing Back Control

  • Transition to Back Control by pulling the opponent to the ground while maintaining hooks.
  • Transition to Technical Mount by stepping around to maintain control during a takedown attempt.

Submissions from Standing Back Control

  • Rear Naked Choke by securing the choke while maintaining hooks or body control.
  • Bow and Arrow if you can isolate a lapel and create leverage.
  • Guillotine if the opponent defends poorly by turning into you.

Sweeps from Standing Back Control

  • Sweep the opponent backward by pulling their hips and extending your base for a trip.
  • Use a Tripod Sweep variation by stepping in and collapsing their balance toward the ground.

Takedowns from Standing Back Control

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