Crackhead Control Top is an advanced turtle control position characterized by the top practitioner sitting on the opponent’s hips in a chair-like position while controlling the upper body. Named for its unusual appearance and the awkward positioning it creates for the bottom player, this position combines elements of traditional turtle control with modern leg riding mechanics. The controlling practitioner sits with their hips loaded on the opponent’s lower back/hip area, one leg typically hooked inside while maintaining upper body control through various grips - commonly an overhook or seatbelt configuration.
This position serves as an excellent platform for back takes, truck entries, and various submission attacks including the twister, darce, and anaconda chokes. The asymmetric weight distribution and hip isolation make it extremely difficult for the bottom player to escape or recover guard, creating a high-pressure control situation that forces defensive reactions. Crackhead Control is particularly effective in no-gi contexts where traditional turtle grips are less available, and it has become increasingly popular in modern competition BJJ as a bridge position between turtle control and back control.
The key mechanical insight is the chair sit position which allows the controlling practitioner to distribute weight through their gluteal muscles directly onto the opponent’s lumbar spine and sacrum, creating a fulcrum effect that severely limits the bottom player’s mobility. The inside leg hook serves as a critical mechanical checkpoint - it prevents the opponent from sitting through to guard while simultaneously creating the asymmetric positioning necessary for back takes and truck entries. This position demonstrates a fundamental principle: control the hips, control the position. The upper body grips are secondary to the hip isolation, used primarily to redirect defensive movements rather than as primary control mechanisms.
Advanced practitioners understand that crackhead control is not a static position but rather a dynamic platform - the threat of progression to back control, truck, or submissions creates a defensive reaction cycle that makes the position increasingly difficult to escape from. The biomechanical efficiency of this position lies in its minimal energy requirement for the top player while maximizing energy expenditure for the bottom player attempting to escape.
Position Definition
- Top practitioner’s hips positioned on opponent’s lower back/hip area in a seated chair-like position, with bodyweight distributed through the gluteal muscles directly onto opponent’s lumbar spine and sacrum creating fulcrum effect
- At least one leg (typically inside leg) hooked around opponent’s near hip or thigh, with the foot controlling inside position while the other leg may be posted wide for base or also hooked for additional control
- Opponent in defensive turtle position with hands and knees on mat, head tucked, upper back rounded to protect neck from rear attacks while struggling against hip isolation
- Upper body control maintained through overhook, underhook, or seatbelt grip configuration, with controlling practitioner’s chest pressure applied to opponent’s upper back while maintaining forward weight distribution to break defensive structure
Prerequisites
- Opponent in turtle position with defensive posture
- Successful establishment of initial turtle control from pass, scramble, or transition
- At least one hip hook established to prevent opponent from sitting through
- Upper body control initiated through overhook, underhook, or collar tie
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain heavy hip pressure on opponent’s lower back to prevent forward movement and base recovery
- Use chair sit mechanics to isolate opponent’s hips while keeping your own center of gravity mobile
- Control the inside space with leg hooks to prevent opponent from sitting to guard or rolling through
- Apply constant forward pressure with upper body to break opponent’s defensive structure
- Transition weight distribution dynamically to counter opponent’s escape attempts without losing position
- Use the position as a control platform rather than static hold - constantly threaten progression to back control or submissions
- Maintain connection between your hips and opponent’s hips while keeping upper body mobile for attacks
Available Attacks
Turtle to Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Transition to Truck → Truck
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Crab Ride to Back → Crab Ride
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Anaconda from Turtle → Anaconda Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Darce from Turtle → D’arce Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Rolling Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent remains static in defensive turtle with strong base:
- Execute Turtle to Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Crab Ride to Back → Crab Ride (Probability: 55%)
If opponent attempts to sit through to guard or turn into you:
- Execute Back Take Generic → Back Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Darce from Turtle → D’arce Control (Probability: 50%)
If opponent rolls forward or attempts granby escape:
- Execute Transition to Truck → Truck (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Rolling Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 55%)
If opponent extends arm to post or push away:
- Execute Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Anaconda from Turtle → Anaconda Control (Probability: 45%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Shortest path to submission
Crackhead Control Top → Darce from Turtle → D'arce Control → Darce Choke
High-percentage back attack sequence
Crackhead Control Top → Turtle to Back Take → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
Truck to twister path
Crackhead Control Top → Transition to Truck → Truck → Twister Control → Twister
Crucifix submission chain
Crackhead Control Top → Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix → Choke from Crucifix
Anaconda finish sequence
Crackhead Control Top → Anaconda from Turtle → Anaconda Control → Anaconda Choke
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 50% | 45% | 25% |
| Intermediate | 65% | 60% | 40% |
| Advanced | 85% | 75% | 55% |
Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds before advancement or escape