Back to Techniques
Half GuardBottom
IntermediateUnderhook
N/A
Share
Share this page
About This Technique
Technique: Underhook
Overview:
The underhook is a critical concept in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and countless grappling arts. It is especially useful for controlling an opponent and advancing to more dominant positions or setting up sweeps and submissions. The underhook involves threading your arm under your opponent's arm to gain leverage and control.
Possible Positions:
- Half Guard
- Side Control
- Butterfly Guard
- Closed Guard
Japanese Name:
N/A
Step-by-Step Instructions:
From Half Guard:
-
Secure the Half Guard:
- Ensure you've locked your legs around your opponent's leg to prevent easy passing.
-
Keep Tight to the Opponent:
- Hug tightly with your knees, pulling the opponent in.
-
Get Head Position:
- Aim to have your head on the side of the opponent's head where you're attempting the underhook.
-
Thread the Underhook:
- Use your same side arm to thread under the opponent's arm. Aim to push your arm through deeply, with your hand reaching over to grip their back/lat area.
-
Control and Elevate:
- Use your underhook to lift the opponent, disrupting their balance.
- Keep your posture and spine aligned to apply maximum leverage.
-
Advance Position or Execute a Sweep:
- Utilize the underhook to transition into a more dominant position, such as full guard or take the back.
- Alternatively, execute a sweep by tipping the opponent over using your control and balance.
Key Tips:
- Maintain Pressure: Constant pressure from your underhook will make it difficult for the opponent to regain control.
- Trap the Opponent's Arm: Use your head and shoulder pressure to control the opponent’s arm, preventing them from regaining their own underhook.
- Combine with Other Techniques: Transition seamlessly into other techniques or submissions, such as the kata-gatame (arm triangle) or a strong back take.
Conclusion:
The underhook is a versatile tool that must be practiced and understood well, as it offers numerous offensive and defensive options in a variety of positions. Incorporating it into your game can greatly enhance your ability to control, sweep, and submit your opponent.
How to Execute
# Underhook from Half Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in the half guard position with your back on the mat. Your opponent is on top, looking to pass your guard. Your legs should be wrapped around one of their legs, with your outside leg (the one furthest from your opponent) hooking over their trapped leg.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Your inside arm (closest to your opponent) should be in a framing position against their shoulder or neck, creating space. Your outside arm should be ready to shoot for the underhook.
## Steps
1. **Create Space**: Use your framing arm against your opponent's shoulder or neck to create space. Simultaneously, use your legs to push and adjust your hips slightly away from your opponent.
2. **Shoot the Underhook**: As you create space, shoot your outside arm (the one not framing) underneath your opponent's armpit. Aim to get as deep as possible, reaching for their far shoulder or even their lat if possible.
3. **Get on Your Side**: Use the underhook to pull yourself onto your side, facing your opponent. This position makes it harder for them to flatten you out and puts you in a stronger position to attack or sweep.
4. **Secure the Underhook**: Once you have the underhook, secure it by pulling your elbow tight to your body and gripping their lat or shoulder. This ensures your control is maximized.
5. **Use Your Legs**: Engage your half guard leg to clamp down on their trapped leg. This prevents them from easily passing or moving away from your control.
6. **Advance Your Position**: From here, you can start working towards sweeping your opponent, taking their back, or transitioning to another dominant position like deep half guard or a full guard.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**: Always keep your underhook tight and use it to control your opponent's posture. Stay on your side to maintain leverage and prevent them from flattening you out.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Do not allow your opponent to flatten you back onto your back; stay on your side.
- Avoid being too loose with your underhook; a deep, tight underhook is crucial for control.
- Don't forget to use your legs actively; they play a crucial role in maintaining the half guard and preventing passes.
Rate This Technique
Sign in to rate techniques
Sign In