I wanted to go more in-depth in my back control series on YouTube.
For the sake of time – I try to avoid spending too much time going over the techniques that I show – my analytics shows that the average viewer spends around 2 to 3 minutes viewing any of my videos.
So I thought that this longer form would be a great addition for readers.
In a normal class setting, I am able to answer the various questions that pop up after introducing a new technique or delving deeper into an overlooked topic.
So think of this as just another resource to add to your game.
I’ve found that most content out there is heavy on video but lacking in written form due to time constraints on competitors and instructors. Luckily, I like writing.
Introduction to the back
I like starting my instruction on the back by emphasizing the importance of the back position and why dedicate so much time on it.
Essentially, it is one of the best positions to end a match or altercation.
In a tournament setting – when one athlete obtains the back mount with hooks or on a belly down opponent – that athlete is awarded the maximum amount of scoring points (4) for controlling that position for at least 3 seconds.
Here we can focus almost exclusively on attacking with chokes and armbars. While our opponent is left defending.
In a fight, from the back we can also rein down punches and other strikes rendering our opponent unconscious or subdued.
Taking the back or attacking the back is a great finishing position with unlimited combinations and scenarios.
While there are a few back taking systems out there. None the less, we will continue to try to add onto the position.
Before diving into the nitty gritty of the technical aspects of back control.
Let’s establish how to get their first.
One of the best positions to work for the back is to work from the turtle position. In wrestling, it’s called the referee position. Whatever you decide to call it. It is a very effective start to the back.
In a fight for instance – a grounded opponent might give their back to protect themselves from a barrage of strikes.
It’s human instinct to protect yourself by covering up in the turtle position. Especially, when hurt badly. You can see this demonstrated in many fights. One fighter gets hurt and curls into a ball to avoid more significant strikes.
In training, someone might turtle after a failed take down attempt or more commonly while defending their guard and trying to stop the guard pass.
Learning how to control this position and make the best use of it will exponentially increase your ability to take the back and eventually get the finish.