Back Control Get What You Want"
Back Control Get What You Want: Mastering the Art of Dominance and Strategy In the
world of grappling, martial arts, and self-defense, the phrase "back control get what you
want" encapsulates a fundamental principle: maintaining control over your opponent to
achieve your desired outcome. Whether you're aiming to submit your opponent, create
openings for strikes, or dominate a positional battle, mastering back control is essential.
This comprehensive guide will explore the techniques, strategies, and mindset necessary
to effectively utilize back control to get what you want on the mat, in the ring, or in self-
defense situations. ---
The Significance of Back Control in Grappling and Self-Defense
Understanding Back Control
Back control is a dominant positional hold in martial arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Judo,
MMA, and other grappling disciplines. It involves positioning oneself behind the opponent,
often with hooks (legs or arms) secured around their body, limiting their mobility and
options.
Why Is Back Control Important?
Back control offers multiple advantages:
High Control Level: It limits the opponent's movement, making escape difficult.
Opportunities for Submission: It provides access to chokeholds like the rear-
naked choke.
Strategic Dominance: It allows you to dictate the pace and flow of the fight.
Minimal Risk: Proper back control reduces exposure to strikes or counters.
Getting What You Want with Back Control
Whether your goal is to submit, control, or neutralize your opponent, establishing and
maintaining back control is often the most effective way to achieve those objectives. ---
Techniques to Achieve Back Control
Entry Techniques
Securing back control begins with effective entries. Here are the most common methods:
Taking the Back from the Standing Position1.
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Use takedowns or throws to bring your opponent to the ground.
Drive for a seat belt grip or body lock, then slip behind.
Back Control from the Guard2.
From closed or open guard, set up a back take by breaking their posture.
Use techniques like the "body lock" or "sit-up back take".
From the Top Position3.
Transition from side control or mount to back control by underhooking or
slipping behind.
Securing the Back
Once behind your opponent, securing the back involves:
Hooks: Insert your legs inside their thighs, wrapping around their hips to prevent
escape.
Seat Belt Grip: Wrap one arm over their shoulder and the other under their armpit,
gripping your own hands or wrist for control.
Head Positioning: Keep your chest close to their back, maintaining pressure and
control.
---
Maintaining and Improving Back Control
Key Principles for Effective Back Control
To get what you want from back control, focus on the following:
Secure Your Hooks Properly: Ensure hooks are deep and secure to prevent1.
escapes.
Maintain Constant Pressure: Use your chest and hips to keep your opponent2.
pinned.
Control the Head and Neck: Use your chin and positioning to limit their3.
movement and escape options.
Stay Active and Adjust: Be ready to adapt your hooks and grips as the opponent4.
moves or attempts to escape.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Loose Hooks: Avoid losing hooks by constantly adjusting and securing them
tightly.
Overextending: Keep your weight centered and avoid leaning too far forward or
backward.
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Neglecting the Head Control: Always keep the opponent's head in check to
prevent escapes.
Stiffness: Be flexible and responsive to your opponent's movements, rather than
rigid.
---
Techniques to Get What You Want from Back Control
Chokes and Submissions
Back control is most famously associated with chokeholds. Here are the most effective
options:
Rear-Naked Choke (RNC)1.
Position your arm around their neck, with your hand gripping your bicep.
Place your other hand behind their head, locking in the choke.
Apply pressure by squeezing your elbows together and pulling up on the
choke.
Bow and Arrow Choke2.
Use the lapel or gi to create a leverage point.
Pull the collar while extending your body for maximum choke effect.
Body Locks and Arm Triangles3.
Use controls to set up joint locks or shoulder chokes if the opponent exposes
their arms.
Control and Ground and Pound
Sometimes, your goal might be to control and deliver strikes:
Maintain tight back control to limit their movement.
Use your positioning to open strikes or elbows while keeping control.
Ensure your hooks and grips are secure to prevent escapes during ground-and-
pound sequences.
Escalating Control to Submission or Finish
Once you've established back control:
Look for openings—neck cranks, chokes, or transitions to other dominant positions.1.
Use feints and movement to create opportunities.2.
Be patient—sometimes controlling and waiting for your opponent to make a mistake3.
yields the best results.
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---
Strategies to Get What You Want with Back Control
Mindset and Approach
Achieving your goals from back control depends heavily on your mindset:
Patience: Don't rush submissions; control first.
Pressure: Use continuous pressure to wear down your opponent.
Awareness: Keep track of your opponent's movements and potential escape
routes.
Adaptability: Be ready to switch techniques or positions if your initial plan isn't
working.
Practical Tips
Always keep your hips close to their back for maximum control.
Use your grips and hooks to manipulate their posture and create openings.
Maintain a balance between aggressive pursuit of submissions and conservative
control.
Practice transitions to other dominant positions to keep your opponent on the
defensive.
Training Drills to Enhance Back Control
To get what you want from back control, incorporate these drills:
Flow Rolling: Practice transitioning into back control from various positions.1.
Positional Sparring: Focus on achieving and maintaining back control against2.
resisting opponents.
Submission Chains: Work on chaining submissions from back control to improve3.
your finishing ability.
Grip and Hook Drills: Develop secure grips and hooks through repetitive drills.4.
---
Conclusion: The Power of Back Control
Mastering back control is a critical component of any grappler's arsenal. It embodies the
principle of getting what you want through strategic positioning, control, and technique.
Whether you aim to submit, control, or neutralize your opponent, back control provides a
pathway to dominance. By consistently practicing entry techniques, securing and
maintaining control, and executing effective submissions, you can turn back control into a
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powerful tool for victory. Remember, the key to "back control get what you want" lies not
just in the technique but also in your mindset—patience, pressure, adaptability, and
awareness. With dedication and strategic training, you will develop the ability to dominate
from the back and achieve your desired outcomes consistently. --- Start integrating back
control techniques into your training today and watch as your ability to control and finish
opponents improves
QuestionAnswer
What is the key principle
behind using back control to
get what you want in
grappling?
The key principle is maintaining dominant positioning
to control your opponent's movements, allowing you
to set up submissions or positional advantages
effectively.
How can I improve my back
control to better achieve my
submission goals?
Focus on securing a tight chest-to-back grip,
controlling the opponent's hips, and maintaining
constant pressure to limit their movement and create
openings for submissions.
What are common mistakes to
avoid when applying back
control for maximum
effectiveness?
Common mistakes include losing hooks or seatbelt
grip, allowing the opponent to escape, and failing to
keep your body close enough to control their
movements effectively.
Which submissions are most
effective from back control?
Rear-naked choke, collar choke, and back triangle are
among the most effective submissions from back
control, leveraging control to finish the fight or match.
How does back control help in
neutralizing an opponent's
attacks?
Back control limits the opponent’s mobility and vision,
making it harder for them to strike or escape, thereby
neutralizing their offensive options while setting up
your own attacks.
What drills can help me
develop better back control
skills?
Practicing drilling the seatbelt grip, hooks retention,
and transitioning smoothly between back control
positions, along with sparring sessions focused on
maintaining back control, can improve your skills.
Back Control Get What You Want: Mastering the Art of Dominance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu In
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, back control get what you want is more than just a catchy phrase—it's a
fundamental principle that separates the proficient grapplers from the beginners. Mastery
over back control not only provides a dominant position but also opens the gateway to a
multitude of submissions and positional advancements. Whether you're aiming to secure
a choke, transition to a more secure position, or set up a sweep, understanding the
nuances of back control is essential for any serious practitioner. --- The Significance of
Back Control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Back control is often considered the pinnacle of positional
dominance in BJJ. When you have your opponent's back, you're in an ideal position to
threaten submissions, control their movements, and dictate the pace of the fight. The
phrase “get what you want” encapsulates the idea that effective back control allows you
Back Control Get What You Want"
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to manipulate your opponent’s options and steer the fight in your favor. Why is back
control so powerful? - It offers access to high-percentage submissions like rear-naked
chokes, bow-and-arrow chokes, and collar chokes. - It limits your opponent’s offensive
options, forcing them into a defensive stance. - It provides leverage for transitions to other
dominant positions such as mount or side control. - It allows for strategic control, fatigue,
and psychological pressure. Mastering the art of getting what you want from back control
involves understanding positioning, grip work, control points, and the tactical mindset to
capitalize on every opportunity. --- Foundations of Effective Back Control Before diving
into advanced techniques, it's crucial to grasp the core principles that underpin successful
back control. 1. Securing the Back: The Initial Entry Getting to the back is often the most
challenging part. Common methods include: - Taking the back from guard or half-guard:
Using hooks, grips, and movement to peel your opponent’s hips away and establish back
control. - Trailing behind during scrambles or takedowns: Capitalizing on opponent
mistakes or openings. - Transitioning from other dominant positions: Such as transitioning
from mount or side control when your opponent attempts to escape. 2. Establishing and
Maintaining Hooks The hooks (your legs inside your opponent’s thighs) are essential for
control. - Number of hooks: Typically, two hooks (one on each side) provide the best
control. - Placement: Deep and secure hooks prevent your opponent from escaping or
turning. - Adjustments: Use your hips and grips to maintain optimal hook position as your
opponent moves. 3. Controlling the Neck and Shoulders A key to effective back control is
controlling your opponent’s upper body. - Seatbelt grip: Securing one arm around their
torso with the other hand gripping the far side collar or chest. - Hand placement: Keeping
your hands high and tight to prevent escapes. - Head positioning: Staying close and using
your head to pressure and limit their movement. --- Strategies to "Get What You Want"
from Back Control Once you've established back control, the next step is to capitalize—to
execute your game plan effectively. Here are strategic approaches to get what you want:
1. Threatening Submissions to Create Openings The threat of a submission often compels
your opponent to defend, creating openings for other techniques. - Rear-Naked Choke
(RNC): The most common and effective back control submission. - Setup involves securing
the choke grip, ensuring your forearm is snug under the chin, and applying pressure. -
Bow-and-Arrow Choke: Using your opponent’s collar and your grip to create a tensioned
choke. - Typically set up by controlling the collar and pulling it across their neck while
extending your back. - Lapels and Collar Chokes: In gi BJJ, leveraging lapel grips can
increase control and threaten multiple choke options. Tip: Always maintain constant
pressure and threaten the choke to force your opponent into defensive positions, opening
up other submissions or positional improvements. 2. Transitioning to Dominant Positions
Back control can serve as a launching pad for other dominant positions. - Mount:
Transition from back control if your opponent turns or escapes. - Side Control: When your
opponent attempts to turn into you, sweep or transition to side control. - Back to Top: Use
Back Control Get What You Want"
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back control to threaten a choke, then transition to a top position once your opponent
reacts or attempts to escape. 3. Using Back Control to Set Up Sweeps If your goal is to
sweep and improve your position: - Back Control to Guard Pass: Use your control to pull
your opponent into your guard and pass. - Back Control to Top Position: Transition to
mount or side control as your opponent tries to escape. --- Techniques to "Get What You
Want" in Back Control Here are some specific techniques and details to help you execute
your game plan effectively. A. Proper Grip and Hand Positioning - Seatbelt grip: One arm
over the shoulder, the other around the waist, palms facing each other. - Collar grips: Use
the gi collar to control the opponent’s head and neck. - Sleeve or wrist grips: For grip
breaking and control. B. Effective Use of Hooks - Deep hooks: Keep your hooks deep inside
the thighs for maximum control. - Adjusting hooks: Shift your hooks as your opponent
moves to maintain control. - Breaking their attempts to turn: Use your hooks to prevent
your opponent from turning into you or escaping. C. Pressure and Body Positioning - Keep
your chest close to their back. - Use your hips to apply pressure. - Maintain a slight angle
to prevent your opponent from turning into you. D. Breaking the Guard and Escaping If the
opponent attempts to escape or turn: - Control their hips: Use your legs and grips to
prevent them from spinning. - Use a harness grip: To pull them back or switch to other
attacks. - Transition smoothly: From back control to other positions if their escape
attempts succeed. --- Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them Even experienced
practitioners face challenges when working from back control. Here are typical issues and
solutions: Challenge 1: Opponent Escaping the Hooks Solution: - Keep your hooks deep
and active. - Use your legs to block their hips. - Maintain tight grips and pressure to limit
their movement. Challenge 2: Losing Control During Scrambles Solution: - Stay connected
with your opponent’s back through grips and hooks. - Use your hips to adjust and re-
establish control quickly. - Practice transitions to re-secure the back if lost. Challenge 3:
Being Countered with Takedown or Turn-Outs Solution: - Anticipate their attempts and
posture. - Use grips to control their head and hips during transitions. - Improve your
positioning and timing through drilling. --- Drilling and Practice Tips To effectively get what
you want from back control, consistent drilling is key. - Positional sparring: Focus on
maintaining back control under resistance. - Flow drills: Transition between back control,
submissions, and escapes seamlessly. - Grip fighting: Practice grip breaking and
establishing control grips. - Scenario training: Simulate escape attempts and practice
counters. --- Conclusion: Mastering Back Control for Complete Dominance In Brazilian Jiu-
Jitsu, back control get what you want is a philosophy rooted in control, pressure, and
tactical execution. By understanding the foundational principles—securing the back,
controlling the opponent’s upper and lower body, and constantly threatening
submissions—you position yourself to dictate the flow of the fight. The key lies not just in
getting to the back but in knowing how to use that position to achieve your game
plan—whether it’s finishing with a choke, transitioning to a dominant position, or setting
Back Control Get What You Want"
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up a sweep. Consistent practice, keen awareness of your opponent’s reactions, and a
strategic mindset are essential to mastering back control. Remember, effective back
control is about getting what you want—and with dedication, technique, and patience,
you'll develop the ability to turn this advantageous position into a series of successful
outcomes on the mats.
back control, negotiation skills, influence tactics, persuasion techniques, assertiveness,
communication strategies, achieving goals, power dynamics, leadership skills, conflict
resolution