Technical Mount Top is a specialized mount variation where the top player posts one leg out (shin perpendicular to the opponent’s body) while keeping the other leg hooked underneath the opponent, creating an asymmetric base that facilitates armbar attacks and back takes. Unlike traditional mount where both knees are on the mat for control, Technical Mount sacrifices some stability to create optimal angles for finishing submissions and transitions. The position is fundamentally transitional in nature—it’s entered with specific attacking intent and should quickly resolve into either a submission finish, back control, or return to regular mount.
The posted leg in Technical Mount serves multiple functions: it provides base against rolling attempts, creates the proper angle for armbar entries, and positions the body for swinging over to complete the submission. The position emerged as practitioners recognized that the defensive reaction of extending an arm while being mounted creates a natural opportunity to transition into an attacking posture. In modern BJJ, Technical Mount is considered an essential skill for mount offense, particularly for smaller practitioners who may struggle to maintain traditional mount against larger, stronger opponents.
This position represents a critical junction in mount offense where the practitioner commits to finishing rather than controlling. The success of Technical Mount depends on timing, proper arm isolation, and the ability to read the opponent’s defensive reactions. When executed correctly, it creates a high-percentage pathway to submission or dominant back control, making it one of the most important positions in the submission game from mount.
Position Definition
- Outside leg posted with shin perpendicular to opponent’s body and foot flat on mat, creating a stabilizing tripod structure that prevents opponent from rolling while maintaining mobility for the top player
- Inside leg hooked underneath opponent’s body with knee near armpit and foot typically tucked under back or hip, maintaining connection and control while allowing angular positioning
- Opponent’s arm extended and controlled with both hands—one hand gripping wrist and other controlling above elbow or at shoulder, preventing arm retraction while setting up armbar mechanics
- Hips elevated compared to traditional mount, positioned over opponent’s chest but shifted toward attacked arm side to create optimal angle for armbar swing-over or back take transition
- Weight distributed strategically across posted leg and inside knee, with upper body positioned over opponent’s chest, head on opposite side of attacked arm to prevent sit-up attempts and maintain control during transition
Prerequisites
- Proficient regular mount maintenance with understanding of weight distribution and base mechanics
- Understanding of armbar mechanics from mount including proper hip placement and leg swing-over technique
- Basic back take fundamentals including seat belt control and hook insertion
- Ability to read opponent’s defensive reactions and identify arm extension opportunities
- Strong grip control and ability to isolate opponent’s arm before transitioning base
- Experience with transitional positions and comfort sacrificing stability for offensive opportunity
Key Offensive Principles
- Posted Leg Base: Outside leg creates stabilizing tripod structure that prevents rolling while maintaining offensive mobility
- Arm Isolation: Control opponent’s extended arm with both hands before posting leg to ensure submission setup
- Hip Position: Elevated hips facilitate quick transitions to armbar or back take while maintaining enough pressure to prevent escapes
- Weight Distribution: Balance weight across posted leg and inside knee to maintain control during dynamic transitions
- Transitional Mindset: Position entered with specific finishing intent—armbar or back take must follow within seconds
- Angular Control: Body positioned at angle optimal for armbar swing-over with head on opposite side of attacked arm
- Quick Execution: Minimize time in position to prevent defensive recovery—commit to finish immediately upon entry
Available Attacks
Mount to Armbar → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Back Take Generic → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Transition to Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 60%
- Intermediate: 75%
- Advanced: 85%
Arm Triangle from Turtle → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Triangle Setup → Mounted Triangle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Gift Wrap Control → Gift Wrap
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
S-Mount Transition → S Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent extends arm defensively while in mount and fails to immediately retract:
- Execute Mount to Armbar → Armbar Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute S-Mount Transition → S Mount (Probability: 60%)
If opponent defends armbar by turning away and exposing back:
- Execute Back Take Generic → Back Control (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Gift Wrap Control → Gift Wrap (Probability: 65%)
If opponent successfully retracts arm before armbar completion:
- Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 80%)
- Execute Triangle Setup → Mounted Triangle (Probability: 50%)
If opponent bridges explosively or attempts to roll while arm is controlled:
- Execute Mount to Armbar → Armbar Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Back Take Generic → Back Control (Probability: 60%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Direct Armbar Path
Mount → Technical Mount → Armbar Control → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission
Back Take to Rear Naked Choke
Mount → Technical Mount → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Gift Wrap to Crucifix
Mount → Technical Mount → Gift Wrap → Crucifix → Armbar from Crucifix → Won by Submission
S-Mount to Armbar Chain
Mount → Technical Mount → S Mount → Armbar Control → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission
Triangle from Failed Armbar
Mount → Technical Mount → Mounted Triangle → Triangle from Mount → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 30% | 55% | 40% |
| Intermediate | 50% | 70% | 60% |
| Advanced | 70% | 85% | 75% |
Average Time in Position: 3-8 seconds (highly transitional)
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
Technical Mount represents a fundamental principle in submission grappling: the willingness to sacrifice positional stability for finishing opportunity. The position works because it exploits a biomechanical reality—when an opponent extends their arm defensively from mount, they create the exact angle and leverage required for armbar mechanics. The posted leg serves a dual purpose: it acts as a stabilizing pillar against rolling attempts while simultaneously positioning your center of mass for the swing-over motion. What makes Technical Mount effective is not the position itself, but the timing of entry and commitment to finishing. You must recognize the moment of arm extension and immediately capitalize before the opponent can retract the limb. The position also creates what I call a submission fork—if they defend the armbar by turning, you take the back; if they defend the back by staying flat, you complete the armbar. This binary choice is the essence of high-level submission strategy where every defensive option leads to a corresponding offensive opportunity.
Gordon Ryan
I use Technical Mount primarily as an armbar entry rather than a position I consciously seek. When someone extends their arm defensively from mount, I immediately transition to Technical Mount and attack the armbar. The key is not telegraphing the transition—I maintain mount pressure and control right up until the moment I post my leg and swing over. In no-gi especially, Technical Mount is brief because opponents can recover their arm quickly without gi grips slowing them down. My sequence is: feel the arm extend, secure wrist and elbow control, post leg out, swing over—all in one fluid motion taking less than two seconds. If they defend the armbar by pulling their arm back, that’s when I take the back, as their defensive reaction naturally exposes it. The position is about creating a dilemma: defend the armbar and expose the back, or defend the back and give up the arm. Against high-level opponents, I’m often in Technical Mount for less than two seconds before committing to the finish, and that speed is what makes it work at the highest levels of competition.
Eddie Bravo
Technical Mount fits into the 10th Planet system as a gateway to several finishing positions. We connect it to both the traditional armbar and to our truck system entries. When the opponent defends the armbar by turning, we’re ready to immediately transition to the back or truck, creating submission chains they can’t defend. The posted leg position is also useful for setting up the reverse triangle from mount—when they defend the armbar, we can bring our posted leg over their head for the triangle. The key innovation is recognizing that Technical Mount isn’t just about the armbar—it’s about creating a decision tree where every defensive option leads to a different submission or positional threat. We drill Technical Mount not as a static position but as a dynamic transition point in our submission chains. From our perspective, you should never be holding Technical Mount—you should be flowing through it on your way to a finish. That transitional mindset is what makes the position dangerous, because the opponent never knows which attack is coming next in the chain.