Anaconda Control Bottom represents a highly disadvantageous defensive position where the opponent has established the anaconda choke control from a front headlock or turtle position. The top player has secured a gable grip or figure-four grip around your neck and near-side arm, with their chest driving pressure down onto your trapped shoulder while their body is positioned perpendicular to yours. This position creates immense pressure on the neck and shoulder, restricting breathing and mobility while threatening the immediate finish of the anaconda choke submission.
The bottom player’s primary objectives are to prevent the choke from being locked in, relieve pressure on the neck, and create enough space to escape back to a neutral or more favorable position. Understanding the mechanics of how the anaconda works is crucial for defending it - the choke tightens as the top player pulls their choking arm’s elbow toward their own hip while driving their chest into your trapped shoulder, creating a constricting loop around your neck and arm. The bottom player must act decisively and systematically to address the immediate submission threat before working toward positional escape.
This position often occurs during scrambles from turtle, failed takedown attempts, or transitions from other front headlock positions, and represents one of the most dangerous control positions in modern no-gi grappling. The defensive hierarchy must prioritize survival over escape: first prevent the choke from tightening, then create breathing space, and finally work systematic escape to guard or neutral position. Time is critical - once the position is fully locked, escape becomes exponentially more difficult.
Position Definition
- Opponent has secured gable grip or figure-four grip around your neck and near-side arm, with their forearm creating a constricting loop that threatens the anaconda choke while your head and shoulder are trapped together in the control
- Top player’s chest is driving downward pressure into your trapped shoulder with their body positioned perpendicular to yours, using their body weight to compress the choke and restrict your mobility while maintaining tight connection throughout
- Your trapped arm is pinned between your own neck and the opponent’s encircling arm, severely limiting your ability to create frames or defensive space while the choke mechanism tightens around both your neck and shoulder together
- Your free arm and lower body remain mobile but are working against significant mechanical disadvantage, as any movement toward escape must first address the choking pressure before positional improvement becomes possible
Prerequisites
- Opponent has established front headlock control from turtle, scramble, or failed takedown
- Top player has successfully secured grip around neck and near-side arm
- Your head and shoulder are trapped together in opponent’s lock
- Opponent has begun driving pressure with chest into trapped shoulder
- Your base has been compromised from turtle or standing position
Key Defensive Principles
- Immediate priority is preventing the choke from tightening by addressing neck pressure and grip before positional escape
- Create space between your neck and opponent’s choking arm using your free hand to pull on their wrist or elbow
- Keep your chin tucked toward your free-side shoulder to minimize choking surface and protect the carotid arteries
- Use your free arm to post and create frames that prevent opponent from fully locking the position
- Move your hips away from opponent’s control to reduce their ability to drive chest pressure into your shoulder
- Prevent opponent from stepping over your head or rolling to mount, which would secure the submission
- Work systematically: first survive the choke, then create space, then escape to better position
Available Escapes
Hip Escape → Closed Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 30%
- Advanced: 45%
Technical Standup → Turtle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Rolling to Guard → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 10%
- Intermediate: 25%
- Advanced: 40%
Frame and Shrimp → Butterfly Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 18%
- Intermediate: 32%
- Advanced: 48%
Rolling Escape → Defensive Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 12%
- Intermediate: 28%
- Advanced: 42%
Hip Movement → Scramble Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 8%
- Intermediate: 22%
- Advanced: 38%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent has secured anaconda grip but hasn’t stepped over or rolled yet:
- Execute Grip Break → Front Headlock (Probability: 40%)
- Execute Hip Escape → Turtle (Probability: 35%)
- Execute Frame Creation → Scramble Position (Probability: 25%)
If opponent begins stepping over your head to finish the choke:
- Execute Rolling to Guard → Half Guard (Probability: 30%)
- Execute Bridge and Shrimp → Half Guard (Probability: 25%)
- Execute Counter Sweep → Scramble Position (Probability: 20%)
If opponent attempts to roll you to complete the choke:
- Execute Rolling Escape → Turtle (Probability: 35%)
- Execute Frame Creation → Front Headlock (Probability: 30%)
- Execute Guard Pull → Closed Guard (Probability: 25%)
If the choke is partially locked but opponent hasn’t finished:
- Execute Creating Space → Defensive Position (Probability: 45%)
- Execute Hip Escape → Turtle (Probability: 30%)
- Execute Grip Fighting → Half Guard (Probability: 25%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Immediate escape to neutral
Anaconda Control Bottom → Grip Break → Turtle → Technical Standup → Standing Position
Defensive recovery to guard
Anaconda Control Bottom → Hip Escape → Half Guard → Guard Recovery → Closed Guard
Counter-scramble path
Anaconda Control Bottom → Rolling to Guard → Scramble Position → Butterfly Guard → Butterfly Sweep → Mount
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 50% | 10% | 0% |
| Intermediate | 70% | 25% | 0% |
| Advanced | 85% | 45% | 5% |
Average Time in Position: 10-30 seconds (escape or submit quickly)