BJJ Graph

3-4 Mount

Dec 09, 20259 min read

The 3-4 Mount represents a sophisticated asymmetric variation of traditional mount where the top player positions one leg fully crossed over the opponent’s body while the other leg remains posted outside. This configuration creates unique mechanical properties that distinguish it from standard mount—the asymmetry generates directional vulnerabilities that both players must understand to succeed. The name derives from the leg positioning: one leg in the traditional mount configuration (the ‘4’ position) and one leg posted outside (the ‘3’ position), creating a three-point to four-point contact pattern.

From the top perspective, 3-4 Mount offers exceptional mobility for transitions to more dominant positions like S-mount, technical mount, and back control, while maintaining sufficient control to prevent most escape attempts. The asymmetric base provides resistance against bridging while preserving the ability to flow between mount variations and submission attacks. From the bottom perspective, the position presents specific escape opportunities because the weight distribution is uneven—the lighter side with fewer contact points becomes the primary escape route, though execution requires precise timing and technical knowledge.

Strategically, 3-4 Mount functions as a transitional hub within the mount hierarchy rather than a static control position. Top players use it to create submission dilemmas, particularly targeting armbars, Americanas, and collar chokes, while the asymmetric pressure disrupts the opponent’s breathing and defensive structure. Bottom players must recognize the configuration quickly and exploit the inherent instability before the top player consolidates to full mount or advances to more dominant variations. Success in this position depends on understanding the geometric and mechanical implications of asymmetric weight distribution.

The position scores 4 points in IBJJF competition when held from top, placing it at the highest tier of positional control. Competition footage shows elite practitioners using 3-4 Mount as a launching point for armbar attacks and back takes, with retention rates averaging 60-75% at advanced levels. The position requires constant dynamic adjustment rather than static pressure, making it particularly effective against opponents who rely on timing-based escapes from traditional mount.

Key Principles

  • Recognize asymmetric weight distribution immediately—identify heavier and lighter sides to plan attacks or escapes

  • Top player maintains forward pressure through chest and shoulders while preserving hip mobility for transitions

  • Bottom player creates frames with bent elbows to prevent chest-to-chest connection and protect neck at all times

  • Posted leg provides dynamic base for top player to counter bridge attempts while enabling quick positional adjustments

  • Bottom player bridges toward heavier side to disrupt base, then escapes toward lighter side with fewer contact points

  • Arm control determines success—top player isolates limbs for submissions, bottom player prevents posting to enable escapes

  • Position is transitional by nature—both players should move toward more advantageous positions rather than remaining static

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeDefensiveOffensive/Controlling
Risk LevelHighLow to Medium
Energy CostHighMedium
TimeShortMedium to Long

Key Difference: Asymmetric leg configuration for submissions

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Recognize the asymmetric weight distribution and identify the lighter side for escape attempts

  • Maintain defensive frames with elbows tight to body, preventing chest-to-chest connection and protecting neck from choke attempts

  • Create hip mobility by bridging toward the heavier side to disrupt base, then escaping toward the lighter side

  • Control opponent’s sleeves or wrists to prevent posting and base recovery during escape movements

  • Keep chin tucked and protect neck at all times, never allowing opponent to establish collar grips or arm positioning for chokes

  • Use small, controlled movements rather than explosive panic responses to conserve energy and maintain structural integrity

  • Coordinate bridge and shrimp movements to systematically create space and angle for guard recovery or positional improvement

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Bridging directly upward without angling toward the heavier side

    • Consequence: Bridge lacks leverage against asymmetric weight distribution, wasting energy without disrupting opponent’s base
    • ✅ Correction: Bridge at 45-degree angle toward the side with more weight/contact points to maximize base disruption before escaping toward lighter side

  • ❌ Extending arms fully to push opponent away rather than maintaining bent-elbow frames

    • Consequence: Extended arms are easily controlled for armbars or Americana attacks, and pushing provides no structural defense against mount pressure
    • ✅ Correction: Keep elbows bent at 90 degrees with forearms creating frames against opponent’s hips and chest, maintaining structural integrity

  • ❌ Attempting to escape toward the heavier side where opponent has more base support

    • Consequence: Escape attempts directly into opponent’s strongest base position, making hip movement nearly impossible and energy expenditure futile
    • ✅ Correction: Identify lighter side with fewer contact points and direct all escape movement toward that direction after disrupting base

  • ❌ Explosive, panicked movements without systematic combination of bridge and shrimp

    • Consequence: Rapid energy depletion without positional improvement, making opponent’s control easier as fatigue sets in
    • ✅ Correction: Use controlled bridge-and-shrimp sequences: bridge to create space, shrimp to angle hips, repeat systematically until guard recovery

  • ❌ Failing to control opponent’s sleeves or wrists during escape attempts

    • Consequence: Opponent easily posts hands to recover base and prevent escape completion, or transitions to submissions
    • ✅ Correction: Grip opponent’s sleeves/wrists to prevent posting during bridge, maintaining control throughout escape sequence

  • ❌ Lifting head and extending neck while bridging or escaping

    • Consequence: Exposed neck becomes target for chokes, particularly as opponent’s weight shifts during escape attempts
    • ✅ Correction: Keep chin tucked to chest throughout all escape movements, protecting neck while maintaining structural posture

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Maintain constant forward pressure through hips and chest, sinking weight into opponent’s diaphragm to restrict breathing and create submission urgency

  • Keep mounted-side knee tight to opponent’s ribs/armpit, eliminating space and preventing the most common shrimp escape pattern

  • Posted leg provides dynamic base adjustments, shifting weight to counter bridge attempts while preserving ability to transition to full mount or side attacks

  • Control opponent’s arms proactively, isolating limbs for submissions while preventing effective framing and escape attempts

  • Maintain low center of gravity with chest heavy on opponent, forcing them to carry your weight while limiting their ability to create explosive movement

  • Use head position and shoulder pressure to control opponent’s upper body, preventing them from turning into you or establishing effective defensive frames

  • Stay mobile and ready to transition, recognizing that 3-4 Mount is often a transitional position leading to full mount, side control, or submission attacks

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Sitting too upright with weight distributed through the knees instead of hips and chest

    • Consequence: Allows opponent to generate explosive bridging power, creates space for elbow escape, and reduces submission control
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain forward pressure with chest heavy on opponent, distributing weight through hips into their diaphragm while keeping shoulders over their centerline

  • ❌ Allowing the mounted-side knee to drift away from opponent’s ribs, creating space on the inside

    • Consequence: Enables opponent to insert elbow and begin shrimp escape sequence, leading to half guard recovery or full escape
    • ✅ Correction: Keep mounted knee tight to ribs/armpit with constant inward pressure, using knee as a wedge to prevent any space creation on the inside

  • ❌ Posting the outside leg too far from opponent’s body, creating weak triangular base

    • Consequence: Reduces ability to counter bridging attempts, makes position unstable against explosive movements, and limits transitional capacity
    • ✅ Correction: Position posted leg close enough to maintain strong base but far enough to allow hip mobility and weight shifts to counter opponent’s movements

  • ❌ Neglecting to control opponent’s arms, allowing them to establish effective frames

    • Consequence: Permits opponent to create space, push hips away, and execute escape sequences with higher success rates
    • ✅ Correction: Proactively control at least one arm at all times, isolating limbs for submissions or pinning them to reduce defensive capacity

  • ❌ Remaining static in 3-4 Mount without transitioning to full mount or attacking submissions

    • Consequence: Wastes the position’s transitional advantages, gives opponent time to develop escape strategy, and reduces finishing rate
    • ✅ Correction: Recognize 3-4 Mount as a transitional position leading to full mount, submissions, or side attacks—maintain constant offensive pressure

  • ❌ Leaning weight toward the posted leg side instead of maintaining centered pressure

    • Consequence: Creates escape pathway on the mounted side, reduces submission control, and makes position vulnerable to bridge and roll
    • ✅ Correction: Distribute weight evenly or slightly toward mounted side, using posted leg for base adjustments rather than primary weight support

  • ❌ Failing to adjust position when opponent begins turning into the posted leg

    • Consequence: Allows opponent to escape to turtle or recover guard by turning away from mounted side pressure
    • ✅ Correction: Immediately transition to side control or north-south when opponent begins turning, maintaining top position throughout the adjustment

  • Mount - Parent position—traditional mount from which 3-4 variation derives through asymmetric leg positioning

  • S Mount - Common advancement target when bottom player turns toward posted leg side

  • Technical Mount - Natural progression when bottom player attempts to turn away exposing their back

  • High Mount - Alternative advancement by walking hips higher on opponent’s chest for submission attacks

  • Half Guard - Primary escape destination for bottom player using elbow escape technique

  • Side Control - Transition option when bottom player creates significant space or turns into posted leg

  • Armbar Control - Primary submission target from top perspective when far arm becomes isolated

  • Back Control - Advanced position accessed when bottom player turns away during escape attempts

  • Escape Hierarchy - Governing principle establishing priority system for bottom player’s defensive options

  • Positional Hierarchy - Framework positioning 3-4 Mount within overall BJJ position advancement ladder