BJJ Pathfinder
Illustration of back control from the defending side: the player in orange sits with their opponent behind them, hooks in and arms around their upper body
Position 07 / 11

Back control

They are behind you with hooks in. Protect your neck first, then slide to the mat and turn in.

What do you want to do?

5 moves
EscapesShoulder-walk escape to the mat side · Removing the hooks · Escape vs body triangle8 videosDefencesHand fighting the choke · Bow-and-arrow defence4 videos

About Back control, defending

Having someone on your back is the most dangerous spot in jiu-jitsu. They have their hooks in, a seat belt grip across your chest, and a direct line to your neck. In competition it gives them 4 points, and the rear naked choke ends a lot of rolls.

Protect your neck first: hands up, chin tucked, fighting their choking arm. Then slide down to put your shoulders on the mat on the side of their bottom arm, clear the top hook and turn into them. Never turn the wrong way into their choking arm.