Back to MMA Fundamentals
Ground
Back Control
The most dominant position in grappling, controlling an opponent from behind with hooks in.
Key Points
- •Hooks control their hips and prevent them turning into you
- •The seatbelt grip is key to maintaining the position
- •Stay tight — space lets them escape or turn to face you
Instructions
- 1Get your chest against the opponent's back, with both arms wrapped around them.
- 2Insert your feet as hooks inside their thighs to control their hips.
- 3Secure a seatbelt grip — one arm over their shoulder, one under their armpit.
- 4Keep your head to one side to avoid being head-butted.
- 5Use the position to set up a rear-naked choke or maintain control.
More Ground Techniques
Closed Guard
A fundamental bottom position where your legs are wrapped and locked around the opponent's waist.
Mount
A dominant top position sitting on an opponent's torso with both knees on the mat.
Side Control
A dominant pinning position perpendicular to the opponent, controlling their torso from the side.
Armbar
A joint-lock submission hyperextending the elbow, applicable from guard, mount, or side control.
Rear-Naked Choke
A blood choke applied from back control, one of the most reliable submissions in grappling and MMA.
Triangle Choke
A leg-based choke from guard using your legs to trap the opponent's neck and one arm.