Taking the Back
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Taking the back is the act of getting behind the opponent to the most dominant position in BJJ. The entries come from everywhere, turtle, the guard, mount, and scrambles, but they all end the same way: chest connection, the seatbelt, and your hooks in.
Where back takes come from
The most common entries are off turtle when an opponent shells up, off the back exposure created by guards like De La Riva and the berimbolo, and off mount when the bottom player turns away. Recognizing the moment the back opens is most of the skill.
Secure before you finish
A back take is only worth taking if you keep it. Establish the seatbelt and the bottom shoulder control before you hunt the choke, or you trade a great position for a rushed submission attempt. Once the back is secure, the rear naked choke is the payoff.
Free printable Taking the Back flowchart
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Arm drag to back take
A system for using arm drags to create angles and secure back control from standing or close quarters.
Community flows for Taking the Back
- Octopus Guard 2.0 by Craig Jones: Attach, Tilt, Redirect — Craig Jones' no-gi Octopus Guard 2.0: a deep reverse underhook (attach), hip bridge to off-balance (tilt), then redirect passers to back, legs, or top. Built…
- Kaynan Duarte Modern Back Attack, Vol 2: Turtle Back Takes — Kaynan Duarte's turtle back takes: ride the roll if they spin, fish the leg if they tuck, both into the c-step lift, plus kimura and front-roll variants. Both…
- Kaynan Duarte Modern Back Attack, Vol 3: Crab Ride Entries — Kaynan Duarte's back entries from standing, 50/50, K-guard, half guard, and deep half, all converging on the crab ride, with a crucifix backup. The back…
- Kaynan Duarte Modern Back Attack System: Full System Map — Kaynan Duarte's back attack system built on one read, who owns the top wrist, showing how entries, finishes, and recoveries loop back when a step fails. The…
- Arm Drag to Back Take System — A system for using arm drags to create angles and secure back control from standing or close quarters.
- Half Guard Transitions — Underhook Half Guard through its major positional evolutions, focusing on opponent reactions as triggers
- Truck Position Review — If this comes up, entries into teh Truck position from various grappling scenarios
- Closed guard attacks — Closed guard offense. Sweeps, submissions, and back takes. Based on posture breaks and grips. Timing beats strength
- Lazy Guard to Back Takes — Low-energy approach to BJJ built around back takes from various guard positions. What if your entire game is oriented toward getting behind your opponent from…
- Craig Jones Power Ride — Craig Jones' power ride broken into its core components. Lower body positional controls, upper body manipulation tools, & turtle exploitation techs.
- Back Takes from Saddle — Saddle position entries and transitions designed to secure back control.
- Turtle Position Attacks — Exploiting turtle through biomechanical principles! Leverage, pressure points, & angular control.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to take the back?
Off turtle is the most accessible entry: when an opponent shells up, attack the seatbelt and bring in your first hook. Back exposures from guard and mount are the other high-percentage routes.
How many points is taking the back worth?
Under IBJJF rules, securing back control with both hooks or a body triangle is worth 4 points. Your chest must be connected to their back.
Should I take the back or stay in mount?
If the bottom player turns away from you in mount, following them to the back is usually the right call. It is more dominant and threatens the rear naked choke.
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