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Back Mount (Back Take)

Quick Introduction​

The back mount (or back take) is one of the most dominant control positions in Jiu-Jitsu, alongside the full mount. The goal is to position yourself behind your opponent — as if wearing them like a "backpack" — removing their direct offensive options while opening pathways for attacks to the neck and arms. The effectiveness of this control lies in the combination of body connection (chest-to-back contact + proper head positioning) and limb engagement (arms and legs) to limit mobility and maintain control.

Position Overview​

Station: Immobilization

Achieved from: Turtle, failed guard passes, transitions from mount

Leads to: Rear Naked Choke 🚧, collar chokes, arm attacks

Back Mount Control Types (3 Main Variations)​

🎯 Seatbelt Grip (Most Common)​

Objective

Maximum control with ideal submission setup; maintain back control while creating pathways for chokes and arm attacks

Main Characteristic

One arm over the shoulder (attacking hand) and the other under the armpit (support hand); hands clasped at chest

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Once you've reached opponent's back, glue your chest to theirs
  2. Establish seatbelt grip - one arm over shoulder, one under opposite armpit
  3. Insert hooks inside opponent's thighs whenever possible
  4. Keep head aligned over one of opponent's shoulders
  5. Heels dig into hip creases for hook control
  6. Follow opponent's rolls - if they turn, move together to keep connection
  7. Alternate between choking attempts and arm attacks

Technical Details

  • Commonly used once both legs are engaged (double hooks or body lock)
  • Head prevents opponent from flattening back to mat
  • There's no "wrong" side for seatbelt - both neck and armpit sides offer different attack routes
  • When falling toward armpit side, keep head over shoulder to prevent mat escape

Tactical Advantage

Ideal for attacking; highest control percentage; direct path to rear naked choke and arm attacks; prevents opponent from seeing attacks; allows constant pressure alternation

🔒 Body Lock/Body Triangle (Absolute Control)​

Objective

Near-absolute control with lower body lock while maintaining upper body attack options

Main Characteristic

Legs closed in figure-four around opponent's waist/hip instead of traditional hooks

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Start from standard back mount with hooks
  2. Triangle legs around opponent's waist (outside foot locks behind inside knee)
  3. Position lock on opposite side of choking arm for best angle
  4. Squeeze torso to restrict movement and breathing
  5. Maintain seatbelt or double underhooks for upper body control
  6. When opponent tries to stand or throw you off, tighten lock
  7. Adjust angle by rotating body lock position as needed

Competition Notes

  • Does NOT score points under IBJJF rules (hooks required)
  • DOES score under ADCC and many other rulesets
  • Provides near-absolute control making escapes extremely difficult

Tactical Advantage

Extremely difficult to escape; allows focus on upper body attacks; creates breathing pressure; maintains control even when opponent stands

🌀 Double Underhooks (Standing/Transitional)​

Objective

Greater control when legs are not fully engaged; effective when opponent stands or during transitions

Main Characteristic

Both arms go under opponent's armpits instead of seatbelt configuration

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Thread both arms under opponent's armpits
  2. Clasp hands together at chest or grip own wrists
  3. Pull opponent tight against your chest
  4. Use when opponent stands up or tries to throw you forward
  5. Maintain control while working to insert hooks
  6. Transition to seatbelt once hooks established
  7. Can attack arms directly from this position

When to Use

  • Legs not yet engaged or hooks being cleared
  • Opponent standing up or attempting forward throw
  • Transitioning from turtle or during scrambles
  • Setting up arm attacks (kimura, armbar transitions)

Tactical Advantage

Provides control without leg engagement; prevents forward escapes; allows arm attacks; useful during standing back control

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Chest-to-back connection is fundamental - Keep chest glued to opponent's back at all times; removes space and neutralizes offensive options
  2. 💪 Move WITH the opponent - More than holding, follow every shift and roll to maintain connection; if they roll, you roll
  3. ⏱️ Priority hierarchy - Insert hooks whenever possible; if not, maintain hand control to stay connected while adjusting legs
  4. 🔄 Head positioning matters - Keep head aligned over opponent's shoulder; prevents them from flattening to mat and aids escape prevention
  5. 🎮 Variation selection - Choose based on situation:
    • Seatbelt → Standard control with maximum attack options
    • Body Triangle → Absolute control when hooks being cleared
    • Double Underhooks → When legs not engaged or opponent standing

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Weight Distribution: Backpack principle - distributed across their back; chest-to-back removes space
  • Limb Distribution: Arms control posture and create attack opportunities; legs isolate hips (main source of movement)
  • Connection Points: Hooks + seatbelt = multiple control points; head acts as additional post
  • Movement Adaptation: Connection and adaptation over static holding; sync with opponent's movements
  • Structural Relations: Chest-to-back neutralizes offense; head prevents mat escapes; limbs create attack pathways

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Crossing feet carelessly - Can expose to ankle locks, though sometimes useful when opponent stands (be cautious in competition)

⚠️ Leaning back excessively - Allows opponent to sit up and escape; maintain chest connection

⚠️ Chasing neck prematurely - Lose position control for failed submission; secure position first

⚠️ Loose hooks - Too easy to clear; maintain active heel pressure in hip creases

⚠️ Static holding - Must move with opponent; focus on following shifts and rolls

⚠️ Ignoring head position - Head over shoulder prevents mat escapes through arm side

⚠️ Not alternating attacks - Switching between neck and hook adjustments forces defensive reactions

🎯 Next Steps​

After mastering back mount:

  1. Perfect the finish → Rear Naked Choke 🚧
  2. Learn entries → Practice back takes from guard, turtle, mount
  3. Study escapes → Understand defenses to prevent them better

🔗 Related Resources​