Side Control Bottom

Side Control Bottom is a defensive position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the practitioner is on their back with their opponent on top, controlling them from Side Control Top. This is a disadvantageous position because the opponent has superior mobility and control, while the bottom player’s movement is restricted. The primary objectives from Side Control Bottom are to survive, defend, and execute escapes to recover Guard or create reversals.

Key Characteristics

Opponent's Position

  • The opponent’s chest is typically across your torso, with their weight distributed heavily to limit your movement.

Restricted Mobility

  • The top player controls your hips and shoulders, making it difficult to create space or leverage.

Frames and Guard Recovery

Goals of Side Control Bottom

Defend and Survive

Create Space

  • Use Frames against their hips, shoulders, or neck to relieve Pressure and generate room for movement.
  • Employ Hip Movement to escape their control.

Escape or Reverse the Position

  • Recover Guard or transition to Half Guard using a combination of shrimping and underhooks.
  • Sweep the opponent to take the top position.

Common Escapes from Side Control Bottom

Shrimp Escape

  • Create space by framing against their hips or shoulders.
  • Perform a shrimp motion to slide your hips out and recover Guard.

Underhook Escape

Bridge and Roll Escape

  • Bridge explosively to off-balance the opponent and roll them into a neutral or advantageous position.

Knee-Elbow Escape

  • Frame against their hips, push their weight off, and slide your knee through to recover Half Guard.

Defensive Strategies in Side Control Bottom

Frames

  • Use your forearms, elbows, or hands against their neck, hips, or shoulders to control distance and alleviate Pressure.

Hip Movement

  • Shrimp to create space between your hips and their body, allowing you to maneuver for escapes.

Breathing and Relaxation

  • Stay calm and focus on controlled Breathing to avoid exhaustion while defending.

Avoid Exposing Arms or Neck

  • Keep your elbows tight and your neck protected to prevent submissions.

Common Mistakes in Side Control Bottom

Flat on Your Back

  • Staying flat makes it harder to escape or create space; instead, stay on your side to improve Hip Movement.

Overreaching with Arms

  • Extending your arms to push the opponent may expose you to submissions like the Kimura or Americana.

Lack of Frames

  • Failing to create and maintain Frames allows the opponent to apply relentless Pressure and maintain control.

Advancing Side Control Bottom

Tip

Escaping Side Control Bottom requires effective Frames, Hip Movement, and timing. Focus on small, incremental improvements in position to recover Guard or create a sweep opportunity.

Transitions from Side Control Bottom

Guard Recovery

Half Guard Recovery

  • Frame and shrimp to slide one leg under their hips, trapping one of their legs to establish Half Guard.

Turtle Guard

Submissions from Side Control Bottom

Kimura Counter

  • If the opponent leaves their arm exposed while attacking, trap their wrist and apply the Kimura lock from bottom.

Guillotine

  • If they move their neck into range during a transition, trap their head and finish with a Guillotine choke.

Triangle Choke Transition

Sweeps from Side Control Bottom

Bridge and Roll

  • Trap one arm and the leg on the same side, bridge explosively to off-balance them, and roll into Side Control Top or Guard.

Underhook and Roll Sweep

  • Create an underhook on their far side, roll under them, and use momentum to take top control.

Leg Trap Sweep

Passes into Side Control Bottom

Failed Guard Retention

Takedown Reversal

  • After a failed takedown, the opponent may land in Side Control Top, requiring you to escape.

Escapes from Side Control Bottom

Shrimp Escape

Bridge and Roll Escape

  • Explosively bridge to create momentum, off-balancing the opponent to roll into top control.

Underhook Escape

Knee-Elbow Escape

  • Push their hips with your frame, slide your knee through, and recover Guard or Half Guard.

Takedowns Leading to Side Control Bottom

Failed Takedown

Throw Reversal

  • If you attempt a throw and are countered, the opponent could secure Side Control Top.

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