Master BJJ back attacks: how to take the back, maintain back control, and finish with RNC, bow and arrow, and more. The highest-value position in BJJ.
Why Back Control Is the Highest-Value Position
The back is BJJ's most dominant position. From back control, you have access to the highest-percentage finishes in the sport (RNC, bow and arrow), your opponent has extremely limited defensive options, and the position scores maximum points (4) in competition.
βΉοΈ The stats: In high-level competition, back control results in a submission approximately 70% of the time β the highest finishing rate of any position in BJJ.
Taking the Back: Entry Methods
From Guard (Bottom)
- Butterfly guard back take: Underhook β rotate to single leg X β back take
- Armbar to back take: Failed armbar β they roll β follow with both hooks
- Triangle to back take: They stack β overhook arm β rotate to back
From Top Positions
- Guard pass to back: Leg drag β land on back
- Turtle attack: They turtle β clock choke setup OR spin to back
- Half guard back take: Underhook half guard β roll to back
From Standing
- Snap down β spin behind
- Duck under to back
- Reactive: opponent shoots β sprawl β back take
Back Control: Maintaining the Position
| Concept | Detail |
|---|
| Hook placement | Hooks go INSIDE the hip flexors, not on the thighs. Two hooks = maximum control. |
| Seatbelt grip | One arm over shoulder, one arm under armpit. The overarm controls the choke. |
| Hip alignment | Stay tight to their back β no gap. They escape when you lose hip contact. |
| The back staying on the mat rule | Don't let your back touch the mat β you lose points in competition. Stay on your side. |
Finishing from Back Control
Rear Naked Choke (RNC)
The highest-percentage finish in BJJ/MMA. Slide the choking arm under the chin, lock the other arm behind their head, squeeze. Enter from the seatbelt by "slipping" the top arm under the chin as they lower their chin to defend.
Bow and Arrow Choke (Gi Only)
Control the collar with one hand, hook their leg with the other, then "bow and arrow" your body away. One of the tightest chokes in gi BJJ β extremely hard to escape once properly set.
Armbar from Back
When they reach back to defend, control the wrist, insert your leg over their shoulder, and extend. This is the primary "punishment" for reaching back to defend the choke.
Common Back Control Mistakes
- Placing hooks on thighs instead of hip flexors β they can step over your hooks
- Not staying tight β any gap allows hip escape entries
- Choking with the wrong arm β the choking arm should be the TOP (overarm) arm
- Staying flat on your back β this gives them leverage to peel hooks
π‘ The "gift wrap" threat: When they defend the choke by grabbing your arm, transition to the gift wrap position (arm behind their head) β this sets up armbar, triangle, and back-take recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop someone from escaping back control?
Stay tight with hip contact, keep your hooks inside the hip flexors, and keep your head on the same side as your overarm (the choking arm). The most common escape is the shoulder roll β prevent it by staying on your side and maintaining all three connection points.
What's the fastest way to finish from the back?
The bow and arrow choke (gi) is often the fastest to set up because the collar grip is established during the back take itself. In no-gi, the RNC is fastest when entered immediately from the seatbelt without repositioning.
How do I take the back from guard?
The butterfly guard back take is one of the highest-percentage entries: get an underhook, lift with your butterfly hook on the same side, enter single leg X position, then rotate to take the back. This works in both gi and no-gi.