Intermediate

BJJ Back Take Entries

🥋 Blue ★★★☆☆ Beginner

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

Back Control Back Take The BJJ Back Take: Dominating Your Opponent f... Arm Drag to Back Take Arm Trap Attacks from Back BJJ Armbar From Back Attack Guide

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

Q: When I try to get to my opponent's back from guard, my shoulders feel like they're getting crunched and my neck hurts, what am I doing wrong with BJJ back take entries?

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.

Q: How can I effectively initiate BJJ back take entries against a much larger and stronger opponent who keeps their back flat against the mat?

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.

Q: I'm struggling to transition from a failed armbar attempt into a BJJ back take entry, what are the key body mechanics I should focus on?

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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