BJJ Back Take Concepts: How to Get and Keep the Back
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 2 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
☰Contents
Learn BJJ back take concepts: seat belt control, back takes from guard, turtle, and scrambles. Dominate from the back position.
Contents
Why the Back Is the Most Dominant Position
Back control offers the highest submission rate in BJJ competition. Your opponent cannot see your attacks and has no offensive options — every moment on the back is pressure on them.
Core Back Take Entries
| Entry | Starting Point | Key Move |
|---|---|---|
| Turtle back take | Opponent turtled | Clock choke fake → around the body |
| Guard pass to back | Leg drag completion | Rotate around hips as they defend |
| Armbar to back | Failed armbar from guard | Belly down pivot → seat belt |
| Scramble back take | Standup/takedown | Body lock → rear body position |
Seat Belt Mechanics
- Top arm is the choking arm (goes over shoulder to chest)
- Bottom arm is the anchor arm (under armpit)
- Hands clasp — never interlace fingers (gets broken)
- Hooks in: one hook per hip, keep chest glued to their back
💡 Pro Tip: Stay chest-to-back at all times. Space = escape. Use your weight and hooks to eliminate every gap.
Common Back Retention Errors
Reaching for the choke too early loses the position. First establish both hooks and seat belt, then hunt the submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to back control from guard?
The leg drag and over-under pass both naturally transition to back control when your opponent defends by turning away. As they rotate, follow their hips and establish the seat belt grip.
What are the best chokes from back control?
The rear naked choke (RNC) is the highest-percentage submission in BJJ. The bow and arrow choke (gi only) is equally powerful. Both require proper seat belt and hook control first.
How do I stop opponents from escaping my back control?
Keep your chest glued to their back, maintain both hooks, and never let them flatten out. When they try to peel hooks, attack the choke to distract them.