Tournament Game Plan

Controlling match flow from standing to dominant positions. Takedowns, guard passes, pins, and high-percentage submissions sequenced to score points and minimize risk.

Flow outline

  1. Standing

    • if it shows up, starting point of every match - control distance, set up your takedown entries, and watch for opponent's guard pulls. is where you establish dominance and score first points with a clean takedown

  2. Top Guard

    • From here, most of the time you've secured takedown and now have top position in guard. focus on posture control, breaking grips, and setting up your guard pass sequences. position scores 2 points and sets up your path to dominant control

  3. Top Pin

    • You've passed guard and established a dominant pin position - mount, side control, or knee-on-belly. Maintain pressure, control, and work toward submissions while scoring 3-4 points. is where matches are won through positional dominance

  4. Back Control

    • Key detail: if it shows up, most dominant position in bjj - you've taken back with hooks in. secure seatbelt grip, control their hips, and work for rear naked choke. scores 4 points and gives you highest percentage submission opportunities

  5. Leg Entanglement

    • If they frame, you've entered leg game - establish control in ashi garami, 50/50, or saddle positions. focus on breaking mechanics and transitioning to high-percentage leg attacks while maintaining positional control

  6. Bottom Guard

    • you're playing guard - whether by choice or opponent's takedown. use position to attack with submissions, set up sweeps for points and top position, or create space to stand back up. control distance and don't let them settle

  7. Bottom Pin

    • You've been pinned - mount, side control, or knee-on-belly. Focus on survival first: protect your neck, create frames, and work your escapes. Every second you survive is time your opponent isn't scoring additional points

  8. Opponent Takes Your Back

    • Worst-case scenario - they've taken your back. Immediate defense: protect your neck, control their hooks, and work your escapes. Don't panic - methodical defense can turn around and prevent 4-point score. Pay attention to posture

  9. Opponent Enters Your Legs

    • Key detail: often they're attacking your legs - defend immediately. clear their entries, protect your knees, and either escape to guard or counter-attack. is high-risk - defend properly to avoid giving up match. pay attention to posture

Branch conditions