Back Control: The Most Dominant Position in BJJ
By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 1, 2026
If there is a “Checkmate” position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it is Back Control.
Unlike Mount or Side Control, where the opponent can still fight back, Back Control leaves them defenseless. They cannot see you, they cannot hit you, and their neck is completely exposed. It is the ultimate expression of the “position before submission” philosophy.
In this guide, we break down how to take the back, keep the back, and finish the fight.
Table of Contents
What is Back Control?
Back Control is a position where you are behind your opponent, controlling their hips with your legs and their upper body with your arms.
- The Hooks: Your heels must be inside their thighs. This prevents them from turning their hips.
- The Seatbelt: One arm goes over their shoulder (choking arm), and one goes under their armpit (control arm). They connect at the chest.
- The Points: In IBJJF competition, establishing Back Control with hooks in for 3 seconds awards you 4 points—the highest score possible.
The Golden Rule: Alignment
You must align your spine with theirs. If your head drifts too far to the side, you lose the angle. As John Danaher explains, you want your chest glued to their spine so you move as one unit.
The Straightjacket System (Trapping the Arms)
You cannot choke someone who is blocking your hands. You must remove their arms first.
- The Strong Side: Fall to the side of your “over-hook” arm. This uses gravity to help you trap their arm.
- The Trap: Use your top leg to step over their arm and pin it to their body.
- The Result: Now it is “2 arms vs. 1 neck.” This is the core of the Straightjacket System used by Gordon Ryan.
Top 3 Submissions from the Back
Once you have Back Control, the finish should be inevitable.
1. Rear Naked Choke (RNC)
The king of chokes.
- Grip: Slide your forearm under their chin. Grab your own bicep.
- Finish: Squeeze your elbows together and push their head forward with your head. Read our full Rear Naked Choke Guide.
2. The Bow and Arrow Choke
If they are wearing a Gi:
- Grip: Grab their collar with your over-hook hand and their pants with your other hand.
- Action: Extend your body away from them like an archer drawing a bow.
3. The Rear Triangle
If they pull your arm down to defend the choke:
- Action: Throw your leg over their shoulder and lock a triangle choke from behind.
Retention: How to Stay on the Back
Taking the back is hard; keeping Back Control is harder.
The Body Triangle
Instead of regular hooks, lock a figure-four with your legs around their waist.
- Pros: Incredible control; very hard to escape.
- Cons: No points in IBJJF, and you can get ankle locked if you aren’t careful.
The Chair Sit
If they try to roll away (often attempting to recover Closed Guard):
- Action: Sit up and scoot your hips underneath them, re-aligning your chest with their back.
Escapes: How to Survive
If you are stuck in Back Control, you are in trouble.
- Protect the Neck: Always fight the “choking hand” first. Two hands on one.
- Shoulders to Mat: You must get your back flat on the floor. Slide your shoulders down until they touch the mat.
- Clear the Hooks: Push one of their hooks off to turn your hips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do crossed feet count as hooks?
No. In IBJJF rules, crossing your ankles does not score points for Back Control. Plus, it exposes you to an ankle lock counter.
Is Back Mount the same as Back Control?
Technically, yes. “Back Mount” usually refers to flattening the opponent out belly-down, while “Back Control” refers to the hooks-in position. Both score 4 points.
Conclusion
Back Control is the most dominant position in fighting. It offers maximum control with minimum risk.
Focus on the “Seatbelt Grip” first. If you can control their upper body, the hooks (and the submission) will follow.