BJJ Pathfinder
Illustration of back control from the attacking side: the player in orange is behind their opponent with legs hooked around their hips and a seat belt grip
Position 07 / 11

Back control

You are behind them with hooks or a body lock. Keep the seat belt tight and hunt the choke.

What do you want to do?

9 moves
SubmissionsRear-naked choke · Bow-and-arrow choke · Collar choke from back · +212 videosControlsSeat belt and hooks · Body triangle · Following their escape · +19 videos

About Back control, attacking

Taking the back is the goal of many BJJ game plans. You are behind them with your hooks or a body triangle around their hips and a seat belt grip across their chest. You score 4 points, and they can't see you or reach you easily. The rear naked choke, the bow and arrow choke and armbars all come from here.

Control comes before the finish. Keep your chest glued to their back and your head beside theirs, and follow them when they slide to the mat. Hunt the neck patiently: if they defend the choke, switch to the other side or attack the arm.