BJJ Back Take Entries - Complete Guide
☰Contents
- Why the Back Matters
- The Seat Belt Grip
- Body Triangle vs. Hooks
- Entering from Turtle
- Guard-to-Back Transitions
- Step 1: Attack the Turtle
- Step 2: Roll to Install Hooks
- Step 3: Control with Body Triangle or Hooks
- Step 4: Attack the Neck
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this technique used for?
- How long does it take to learn?
Master BJJ back take entries from guard, turtle, scrambles, and standing. Learn the most reliable paths to the back mount.
Taking the back is widely considered the highest scoring and most dominant position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The back mount gives you the best control with the least risk of escape. But reaching the back requires sharp entries from multiple starting positions. This guide covers the most reliable back take entries.
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Why the Back Matters
Back control scores 4 points in IBJJF rules — the highest of any positional advance. It also gives you access to the RNC (rear naked choke), the highest percentage submission in grappling.
The Seat Belt Grip
Once behind your opponent, establish the seat belt: one arm over the shoulder (overhook), one arm under (underhook), and hands clasped together. This prevents most back escape attempts.
Body Triangle vs. Hooks
Two options for leg control: hooks (heels tucked inside the hips) or body triangle (one leg wrapped around the body). Body triangle prevents the common back escape roll.
Entering from Turtle
When your opponent turtles, circulate around their head, insert a seatbelt, then roll them to install your hooks. This is the most common competition back take entry.
Guard-to-Back Transitions
From guard, the arm drag and the technical guard pull to back are two efficient routes. When your opponent reaches across your centerline, drag that arm and go directly to the back.
Step 1: Attack the Turtle
When the opponent turtles, drop to their side, establish an overhook under their far armpit, and connect your hands in a seatbelt grip across their chest.
Step 2: Roll to Install Hooks
Use a rolling motion (granby-style) to bring the opponent onto their back while inserting both hooks. Keep the seat belt connection throughout the roll.
Step 3: Control with Body Triangle or Hooks
Once back is taken, decide: hooks for active attack positions, or body triangle to neutralize escape attempts. Switch between the two as needed.
Step 4: Attack the Neck
From back control with seat belt, attack the RNC by bringing your choking arm under the chin. If they defend the chin, transition to a bow-and-arrow choke.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this technique used for?
Back Take Entries is a fundamental BJJ technique used to control, escape, or submit opponents in training and competition.
How long does it take to learn?
Most practitioners develop basic competency within 3–6 months of consistent drilling, though true mastery takes years of rolling.
Is this technique suitable for beginners?
Yes — this technique forms part of the core BJJ curriculum and is taught at all belt levels with appropriate progressions.
Related Techniques
Common Mistakes in Back Take Entries
Rushing the Setup
Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.
Using Strength Over Technique
Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.
Skipping Drilling
Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.
Ignoring Defensive Reactions
Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.
Training Tips for Back Take Entries
Shadow Drill at Full Speed
Perform the technique slowly, then progressively increase to competition speed while maintaining crisp mechanics. Video yourself to catch form breakdowns.
Use a Skilled Partner
Training with a partner who can give realistic resistance and honest feedback accelerates technical development more than repetitions with a passive uke.
Isolate Weak Phases
Break the technique into phases and identify which phase breaks down under pressure. Spend disproportionate drilling time on that specific phase.
Compete in Tournaments
Competition reveals real weaknesses that controlled training obscures. Even white belts benefit from early competitive experience.
Learning Progression for Back Take Entries
- Start with controlled drilling of the core mechanics at 30% resistance.
- Progress to positional sparring: your partner starts in the relevant position and you practice Back Take Entries with moderate resistance.
- Integrate into flow rolling — actively hunt for Back Take Entries opportunities without forcing.
- Add to live sparring with full resistance. Focus on recognizing setups, not just finishing.
- Record and review footage to identify timing gaps and mechanical errors.
Recommended Drills for Back Take Entries
- Isolated Entry Drill — With a cooperative partner, repeat the entry sequence for Back Take Entries 20 times each side. Focus on timing and body positioning.
- Reaction Drill — Partner resists at 40–60%. Practice recognizing when the Back Take Entries window opens and executing within 1–2 seconds.
- Chain Drill — Link Back Take Entries with 2 follow-up attacks. If the primary is defended, flow immediately into the backup without pausing.
- Timed Round — 3-minute positional round: start in the setup position and apply Back Take Entries as many times as possible. Track completions per session.
Common BJJ Problems & FAQ
You are likely collapsing your posture too early and allowing your opponent to create a tight frame with their arms against your chest and head. To avoid this, maintain an upright posture by keeping your hips close to their hips and driving your chest into their sternum, creating a wedge that prevents their arms from reaching your neck.
Focus on using your hips to create leverage and break their posture. Instead of trying to muscle them, drive your hip bones into their lower back and use your legs to elevate their hips slightly, creating a gap to slide your hooks in. Once your hooks are in, use your shoulder to press into their upper back, forcing them to turn towards you.
When the armbar fails, instead of releasing your grip entirely, use the momentum of their defense to pivot your hips. As they pull their arm free, drive your hips towards their hip on the side of the arm you were attacking, and simultaneously use your legs to shrimp your body underneath them, allowing you to secure the position and immediately look for your hooks.
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More Questions
What are the most common ways to get to someone's back in BJJ?
The most common entries involve securing a dominant position first, such as a side control or mount, and then transitioning to the back. Other popular methods include sweeps that lead directly to the back or specific takedowns designed for back control.
How do I prevent my opponent from escaping when I'm trying to take their back?
Maintaining tight control of their hips and legs is crucial. Use your hooks to prevent them from turning into you or creating space. Always be ready to adjust your grip and body position as they attempt to escape.
What are the fundamental grips for a back take?
The most fundamental grips involve securing one or both of your opponent's arms, often with a seatbelt grip (one arm over the shoulder, the other under the armpit). This allows you to control their upper body and prevent them from defending effectively.