Bottom Side Control Techniques
4 TECHNIQUESYour opponent has pinned you from the side. Focus on framing, creating space, and escaping.
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Side control escapes
Side control escape against tight top pressure
Ghost escape
Elbow escape from side control
Side control escapes OPEN | JT Jon Thomas | ESCAPE |
Side control escape against tight top pressure OPEN | NA Nick Albin | ESCAPE |
Ghost escape OPEN | BP Brian Peterson | ESCAPE |
Elbow escape from side control OPEN | JD John Danaher | ESCAPE |
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About Bottom Side Control
Bottom side control means your opponent is pinning you from the side with chest pressure. This is a common position to end up in after a failed guard retention or takedown defense.
Your immediate priorities are protecting your neck from crossface and chokes, framing with your arms to create space, and getting to your side. Never stay flat on your back. Turn into your opponent and fight for underhooks.
The main escapes involve shrimping to reguard, going to your knees for a single leg, or bridging into your opponent to create scramble opportunities. Drill these escapes often because you will need them every training session.
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