Learn to secure and dominate from the BJJ back mount position. This guide covers essential techniques for control, hooks, seatbelt grip, and finishing...
Position
White/Blue
π₯ Blue Belt
β
β
βββ
Intermediate
The back Mount is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering unparalleled control and a clear path to high-percentage submissions. Mastering this position allows you to nullify your opponent's offensive options while setting yourself up for chokes and armlocks. It's a cornerstone of effective BJJ strategy for all levels.
Technique Map
graph LR
Position["Position"]:::catNode
Position --> Back_Mount
Back_Mount["Back Mount"]:::currentNode
Back_Mount -.-> Mount["Mount"]:::relNode
Back_Mount -.-> Side_Control["Side Control"]:::relNode
Back_Mount -.-> North_South["North-South"]:::relNode
Back_Mount -.-> Knee_on_Belly["Knee on Belly"]:::relNode
Back_Mount -.-> Turtle_Position["Turtle Position"]:::relNode
classDef currentNode fill:#22c55e,stroke:#fff,color:#fff,font-weight:700
classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
How to Execute
1
Secure the Seatbelt Grip: Establish a strong seatbelt grip by wrapping one arm over your opponent's shoulder and the other under their armpit, clasping your hands together (palm-to-palm or wrist-to-wrist).
2
Insert the Hooks: Drive both of your feet into your opponent's inner thighs, creating 'hooks' to prevent them from turning and escaping. Ensure your heels are active and digging in.
3
Maintain Chest-to-Back Connection: Stay glued to your opponent's back, using your chest pressure to limit their movement and prevent them from creating space.
4
Control the Head and Hips: Use your seatbelt grip to control their upper body and head, while your hooks manage their hips and lower body, keeping them from escaping.
5
Threaten Submissions: Once stable, begin to threaten with chokes like the Rear Naked Choke, using the arm over the shoulder to set up the attacking arm.
Key Details & Tips
1
Active Hooks: Don't just place your feet; actively push and pull with your hooks to disrupt balance and prevent escapes, maintaining constant pressure.
2
Strong Seatbelt: The grip should be tight, ensuring your 'choking' arm is high over the shoulder and your 'blocking' arm is deep under the armpit, preventing them from turning.
3
Weight Distribution: Keep your weight heavy on your opponent, but be prepared to shift your hips and 'follow the hips' to maintain the back as they try to escape.
4
Head Control: Use your shoulder pressure from the seatbelt to control their head and direct their gaze, making it harder for them to turn into you or gain leverage.
Variations
1
Body Triangle: A highly secure variation where one leg is wrapped around the opponent's waist and locked with the other foot, replacing traditional hooks for superior control.
2
High Back Mount: Securing the back higher up on the opponent's back, often with one hook high over a shoulder, to facilitate specific chokes or transitions to arm attacks.
3
Truck Position (Entry): While not a back mount itself, the truck is a leg entanglement often used as an advanced entry to expose the back, leading directly into back mount or leg attacks.
When to Use
The back mount is the primary goal after sweeping an opponent, passing their guard, or scrambling from a standing position where their back becomes exposed. It's ideal when your opponent turns away from you or you manage to get behind them during transitions, offering the highest percentage for submission finishes.
Counters & Defenses
1
Pummeling for Underhooks: Opponent tries to get an underhook on the side where your arm is over the shoulder, allowing them to turn into you and escape the back.
2
Peeling Off Hooks: Opponent grabs and pulls on your hooks to remove them, creating crucial space to escape their hips and flatten out.
3
Bridge and Roll: A common escape attempt where the opponent bridges their hips strongly and rolls in the direction of the arm that is over their shoulder, attempting to dislodge you.
Elite Athletes Who Use This Technique
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: What is the most common submission from the back mount in BJJ?
The Rear Naked Choke (RNC) is by far the most common and effective submission from the back mount due to the direct access to the opponent's neck and the superior control offered by the position, making it incredibly difficult to defend.
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