Transition to Back Mount
From Full Mount to Back Control: a Step-by-Step Guide
Key Steps
Step 1: Secure upper-body control
- From mount, establish a solid seatbelt grip and control the opponent’s near arm to limit frames and movement.
Step 2: Create angle as they turn
- Apply chest-to-back pressure and pivot the hips toward their side as they rotate away to present your back.
Step 3: Thread legs and establish hooks
- As they roll, slide your outside leg across their back and behind the far hip to establish the first hook; bring the second leg over to create the second hook behind their near hip.
Step 4: Finish with back control
- Sit through, switch to a seatbelt grip, and control the top arm; settle onto their back with both hooks engaged and the chest pinning them.
Application
This transition is a fundamental option when the opponent turns away from you in full mount. It works in both gi and no-gi contexts and is a core sequence in jiujitsu moves and bjj techniques. Use it to improve control, threaten chokes, and secure a dominant back position with a step-by-step approach. It is generally intermediate in difficulty but approachable with drilling and coaching.
Mistakes
- Losing control of the upper body or head during the turn
- Failing to establish both hooks before settling back control
- Over-rotating hips or losing base, allowing escapes
- Telegraphing the move with bulky or wide motions
Tips
- Keep chest-to-back contact and elbows tight to prevent frames
- Maintain constant grips and pressure as you angle
- Drill slowly to feel the hip rotation and leg threading
- Practice on both sides to ensure symmetry, in gi or no-gi contexts
- Use the seatbelt grip to secure top control and protect the neck during the transition