It is possible to be in side control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but you will quickly lose control if you do not know what to do. To be honest, every white belt has trouble keeping side control at first.
It is frustrating when someone simply gives up, leaving you with the impression that all your efforts were in vain. Do not worry, though. I know a move that will make you lose.
This is not a fancy submission, but trust me, it keeps your opponent from getting away and sets up a lot of strikes. It is called the “step-over counter,” and you need it when someone tries to run or turn into you.
The Problem: Your Opponent Gets to Their Side
Let us figure out what is going on. You get out of guard, land in side control, and start to feel good until your opponent rolls over, gets an underhook, and starts to work their way up. They will get away, knock you down, or even sweep you if you do not act quickly.
That’s where this move comes in.
The Solution: The Step-Over Counter
Here’s what you do:
- Pinch the elbow, but don’t whizzer. You might want to throw in a whizzer when they start to turn in. Do not. Hold your arm close to your side instead. They cannot control your arm and set up a reverse because of this.
- Step over their head. Now, step your farthest leg over their head. This is the leg that is not touching them. Imagine a line going through the middle of their body. You want to go past that line. Keep your weight down and your knee bent.
- Post and pivot. Put your hand on the mat and turn your upper body after you step over. This makes you spin around them, which presses on their chest and makes it tough for them to move.
- Pressure and attack. The other player is now in a bad spot. Part of their back is showing, and their arm is stuck. This is where you can start striking with chokes, armbars, or even mount.
Why This Side Control Technique Works?
Your opponent’s movement is used against them, which is what makes this move so great. You use the fact that they said they would turn themselves in to get behind them. It is easy to do, works well, and can be used by people of all levels of Jiu-Jitsu.
Plus, once you get good at it, you will be able to trick people into joining your side because you know what is going to happen next.
Final Tips for White Belts
- Don’t force it. If they are lying flat on their back, maintain your position and exert control first.
- Keep your weight heavy. If you’re too light, they’ll still escape.
- Drill it! The more reps you get, the smoother and faster this move will become.
Once you get good at this, it will be much harder to get out of your side control. Try it the next time you roll and let me know how it goes!
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