Crab Ride Bottom

Crab Ride Bottom is a defensive position where you find yourself on all fours in turtle position while your opponent has established a one-sided back control with hooks and upper body control. This position is common in wrestling-based grappling and represents a critical juncture where the bottom player must defend against back takes while seeking opportunities to escape or counter. The position gets its name from the crab-like configuration of the top player’s body as they wrap around the bottom player’s side with asymmetric hook control.

From the bottom perspective, Crab Ride is a high-pressure defensive position that requires immediate action. Unlike traditional turtle where both players may be relatively static, Crab Ride Bottom involves dynamic movement as the top player actively works to complete the back take or advance to other controlling positions. The bottom player’s primary objectives are to prevent the second hook from being inserted, strip the existing hook, and create separation to escape or re-guard. Understanding the mechanics of hook removal and hip positioning is essential for survival in this position.

Strategically, Crab Ride Bottom is often a transitional state rather than a sustainable position. The bottom player must balance defensive priorities - protecting the neck from chokes, preventing the second hook, and maintaining base to avoid being flattened. Successful defense requires combining technical precision with explosive movement, as small windows of opportunity emerge when the top player adjusts their grips or shifts weight to improve position. Advanced practitioners can even counter-attack from this seemingly disadvantageous position, using the top player’s commitment to the ride as an opportunity for reversals or leg attacks.

Position Definition

• Bottom player on hands and knees in turtle/quadruped position with weight distributed through both arms and legs, maintaining defensive ball-up posture with chin tucked and elbows tight to prevent space for attacks
• Top player has one hook (typically inside hook) inserted on one side with foot crossed over bottom player’s thigh or wrapped around leg, while maintaining chest-to-back pressure and upper body control through collar ties, overhooks, or seatbelt grip
• Top player’s body positioned asymmetrically on one side of bottom player, creating the characteristic ‘crab’ shape with one leg hooking while the other leg posts for base and leverage to complete back take or maintain control

Prerequisites

• Bottom player has entered turtle position from guard pass defense, takedown defense, or failed guard pull
• Top player has established initial hook insertion from turtle top position
• Top player has secured upper body control through grips on collar, belt, or body
• Bottom player’s base has been partially compromised but not yet fully broken

Key Defensive Principles

• Keep weight distributed on all four points (hands and knees) to maintain base and prevent being flattened to mat
• Immediately address the inserted hook by clearing it or preventing second hook insertion
• Protect the neck by keeping chin tucked and maintaining tight defensive posture
• Use explosive hip movement and direction changes to create separation and disrupt top player’s balance
• Time defensive movements with top player’s grip changes and weight shifts to maximize escape opportunities
• Maintain awareness of choke threats while prioritizing positional defense to prevent full back control
• Create frames with elbows and shoulders to prevent top player from consolidating control

Available Escapes

Hip Escape → Turtle

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 30%
• Intermediate: 45%
• Advanced: 60%

Granby Roll → Closed Guard

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 50%

Standing up in Base → Standing Position

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 25%
• Intermediate: 40%
• Advanced: 55%

Sit Through Escape → Half Guard

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 15%
• Intermediate: 30%
• Advanced: 45%

Rolling Back Take → Back Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 10%
• Intermediate: 20%
• Advanced: 35%

Hook Strip to Re-Guard → Butterfly Guard

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 50%

Opponent Counters

• Crab Ride to Back → Back Control (Opponent Success: 55%)
• Truck Entry → Truck (Opponent Success: 35%)
• Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix (Opponent Success: 30%)
• Twister Lock Setup → Twister Control (Opponent Success: 25%)
• Darce from Turtle → D’arce Control (Opponent Success: 40%)

Counter-Attacks

• Hook Strip Counter → Turtle
  • When opponent attempts to insert second hook, strip the first hook using hand or leg and return to neutral turtle
• Explosive Sit Through → Half Guard
  • When opponent lifts hips to complete back take, explosively sit through to face opponent and establish half guard
• Forward Roll Escape → Closed Guard
  • When opponent overcommits weight forward trying to flatten you, roll forward and invert to recover guard

Decision Making from This Position

If opponent has only one hook and is trying to insert second hook:

• Execute Hip Escape → Turtle (Probability: 45%)
• Execute Hook Strip to Re-Guard → Butterfly Guard (Probability: 35%)

If opponent has strong upper body control and is breaking you down:

• Execute Granby Roll → Closed Guard (Probability: 40%)
• Execute Forward Roll Escape → Closed Guard (Probability: 30%)

If opponent is high on your back with loose hook control:

• Execute Standing up in Base → Standing Position (Probability: 50%)
• Execute Rolling Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 25%)

If opponent commits weight to one side for truck entry:

• Execute Sit Through Escape → Half Guard (Probability: 45%)
• Execute Explosive Hip Movement → Turtle (Probability: 35%)

Common Defensive Mistakes

1. Staying static in turtle position without addressing the hook

• ❌ Consequence: Allows top player time to consolidate control, insert second hook, and complete back take with minimal resistance
• ✅ Correction: Immediately work to strip the hook or create separation through explosive movement - never remain passive in this position

2. Exposing the neck while trying to escape

• ❌ Consequence: Opens up rear naked choke or other neck attacks even if escape is partially successful
• ✅ Correction: Keep chin tucked throughout all escape attempts and protect neck with hands before attempting explosive movements

3. Allowing base to be broken and getting flattened to stomach

• ❌ Consequence: Transitions to full back control or mount position with greatly reduced escape options
• ✅ Correction: Maintain strong posting with at least one arm and one leg, use explosive hip movements before being completely flattened

4. Reaching back for opponent’s leg without controlling their upper body first

• ❌ Consequence: Creates space for opponent to advance position or secure choke as you lose defensive structure
• ✅ Correction: Secure opponent’s hands or create frames before attempting hook removal, ensuring neck safety throughout

5. Moving predictably in same direction repeatedly

• ❌ Consequence: Opponent anticipates movement and times their attacks or position advancement accordingly
• ✅ Correction: Change directions unpredictably, combining forward, backward, and lateral movements to keep opponent reactive

6. Giving up too quickly and accepting back control

• ❌ Consequence: Misses opportunities to escape during transitional moments when top player is adjusting position
• ✅ Correction: Continue fighting through the position with persistent explosive movements and technical escapes until fully controlled

Training Drills for Defense

Hook Strip Repetitions

Partner establishes crab ride with one hook, bottom player practices stripping the hook using various grips and movements. Reset after each successful strip. Focus on maintaining defensive posture while addressing the hook.

Duration: 3 minutes per partner

Turtle to Guard Transitions Under Pressure

Starting from crab ride bottom, practice granby rolls, sit-throughs, and forward rolls to recover guard position. Partner applies progressive resistance. Emphasize explosive hip movement and timing.

Duration: 5 minutes per partner

Positional Sparring from Crab Ride

Start in crab ride bottom position, bottom player works for 90 seconds to escape to neutral or better position. Top player works to complete back take. Reset if either goal is achieved. Track success rate.

Duration: 10 x 90-second rounds

Defensive Movement Flow

Bottom player flows through all escape options (hip escape, granby, stand up, sit through) while partner maintains crab ride control at 50% intensity. Focus on smooth transitions between escape attempts.

Duration: 4 minutes continuous

Escape and Survival Paths

Escape to Safety Path

Crab Ride Bottom → Hip Escape → Turtle → Technical Stand-up → Standing Position (Neutral)

Counter-Attack Path

Crab Ride Bottom → Rolling Back Take → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke

Guard Recovery Path

Crab Ride Bottom → Granby Roll → Closed Guard → Triangle Setup → Triangle Choke

Wrestling Escape Path

Crab Ride Bottom → Standing up in Base → Standing Rear Clinch → Hip Escape → Neutral Standing Position

Success Rates and Statistics

Skill Level	Retention Rate	Advancement Probability	Submission Probability
Beginner	20%	15%	5%
Intermediate	35%	30%	10%
Advanced	50%	45%	20%

Average Time in Position: 15-30 seconds

Related Positions and Techniques

• Crab Ride - Sibling variant - opposite perspective of same position
• Turtle - Common entry position - where crab ride is often established from
• Back Control - Primary threat position - what opponent is working toward
• Truck - Alternative control position - similar defensive challenges
• Granby Roll - Primary escape technique - most common technical solution
• Hip Escape - Fundamental escape - basic defensive movement
• Rolling Back Take - Counter-attack option - offensive opportunity from defensive position
• Rear Naked Choke - Primary submission threat - what to defend against