Underhook from Side Control

Underhook from Side Control is a control used to hold and set up the next attack built around a handful of repeatable controls. The top player has side control on a flat opponent who is currently defending the underhook with the near arm pinned to the ribs. Another common starting shape: two grapplers are in a chest-to-chest position such as bottom half guard, side control, or mount, contesting upper-body control. It is worth attempting once comfortable with: Back-step pass to twister hook from side control and comfortable with: Around to single-underhook entry. The ideas that hold it together are expose the side first, underhook as a lever, and underhook denies access.

The underhook chain is a sequence of small controls, not one athletic burst. Pry the near arm up with chest pressure and a digging hand to create the underhook lane. Once the underhook is deep, use it to roll the opponent up onto their side rather than holding them flat. Step over to the back as the side exposure opens. From bottom early on, take the underhook high and wide to bring the opponent in line with the body. Once aligned, switch to a tighter underhook that keeps the opponent attached as you climb up to a knee or to a single leg. From top, keep the underhook tight to the hip to prevent the opponent's hip escape. From dominant top positions, open the elbow and isolate the arm for attacks like the arm bar. Frame and shrimp to make space for the underhook. The top player has secured a deep underhook on the opponent's near arm, lifted them onto their side, and stepped to the back with seatbelt and first hook in.

Later in the underhook, high-wide then tight, underhook = control of half guard, and turn into the partner rule tend to decide whether the position stays on track. Watch for these mistakes: Settling for a shallow underhook that doesn't lift the shoulder. Trying to take the back without first exposing the side. Letting the opponent win the underhook in half guard, which usually flips control of the position. Turning away from the partner instead of into them, giving up the back. The high-percentage version of underhook from side control is the one you can still chain when the opponent frames or pummel-wins a grip.