Reverse Mount Top is a transitional dominant position where the practitioner sits on the opponent’s chest or abdomen while facing away from their head, essentially mounted in the opposite direction from standard mount. This position scores 4 points (same as standard mount in IBJJF) but is inherently less stable and more difficult to maintain long-term. It typically occurs during scrambles, failed back take attempts, or when opponents turn away during standard mount control.
The defining characteristic of reverse mount is the backward orientation: the top practitioner’s back faces the opponent’s head while sitting on their torso. This creates unique challenges - no head control, inability to see opponent’s face for reaction cues, and different weight distribution requirements. However, it also creates opportunities for specific submissions (armbar, twister, collar chokes) and serves as an excellent transitional platform to standard mount or back control.
The position’s main strategic value is as a stepping stone rather than a destination. Experienced practitioners recognize reverse mount immediately and flow smoothly to standard mount (simply turning to face forward) or back control (inserting hooks from the reverse position). Attempting to hold reverse mount for extended periods typically results in increased escape success for the opponent. The position’s moderate risk level reflects its transitional nature - dominant enough to score points and create submissions, but vulnerable enough to require quick decision-making about which superior position to convert to.
Position Definition
- Top practitioner sits on opponent’s torso/chest with hips positioned on sternum or upper abdomen, weight distributed through buttocks and lower back onto opponent’s ribcage, facing away from opponent’s head toward their feet
- Both knees on the mat on either side of opponent’s torso, with feet positioned near or past opponent’s shoulders, creating wide base for balance despite backward orientation
- Opponent flat on their back with shoulders against mat, facing upward toward ceiling with top practitioner’s back blocking their view and limiting upper body movement
- Top practitioner’s hands posted on mat or controlling opponent’s legs/hips, providing balance and preventing opponent from bridging or creating angles for escape
Prerequisites
- Opponent must be on their back with shoulders to the mat
- Top practitioner must have achieved mount orientation (sitting on torso) facing away from head
- Sufficient base and balance to maintain backward-facing position without being rolled
- Control of opponent’s lower body or legs to prevent immediate escape attempts
- Recognition that position is transitional and requires quick decision-making
Key Offensive Principles
- Transitional Recognition: Understanding this position is temporary and should convert quickly to standard mount or back control
- Weight Distribution: Proper weight through buttocks onto chest prevents bridging escapes despite backward orientation
- Balance Through Core: Core engagement maintains balance while facing away from opponent’s center of mass
- Quick Transition Mindset: Mental preparedness to flow immediately to superior positions rather than forcing reverse mount control
- Opportunistic Submissions: Recognizing brief submission windows without over-committing to attacks from unstable position
- Knee Control: Wide knee positioning provides base and prevents opponent hip movement
- Position Hierarchy Awareness: Recognizing that standard mount and back control are superior end goals
Available Attacks
Transition to Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 70%
- Advanced: 85%
Back Take Generic → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Mount to Armbar → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Transition to Truck → Truck
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Side Control to Mount → S Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Transition to North-South → North-South
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent is relatively flat and not actively defending, assess back control opportunity:
- Execute Back Take Generic → Back Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 70%)
If opponent begins to bridge or create upward pressure through hips:
- Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Side Control to Mount → S Mount (Probability: 60%)
If opponent turns to either side attempting hip escape:
- Execute Back Take Generic → Back Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Transition to Truck → Truck (Probability: 50%)
If opponent extends arm in defensive reaction or attempts to push:
- Execute Mount to Armbar → Armbar Control (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 65%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Shortest Armbar Path
Reverse Mount Top → Mount to Armbar → Armbar Control → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission
High-Percentage Mount Consolidation Path
Reverse Mount Top → Transition to Mount → Mount → Mount to Armbar → Armbar Control → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission
Back Control Progression Path
Reverse Mount Top → Back Take Generic → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Advanced Twister Path
Reverse Mount Top → Transition to Truck → Truck → Twister Finish → Twister → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 30% | 50% | 20% |
| Intermediate | 50% | 70% | 35% |
| Advanced | 70% | 85% | 50% |
Average Time in Position: 10-30 seconds (transitional position)
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
Reverse mount represents an interesting paradox in positional hierarchy - it scores identically to standard mount yet possesses fundamentally different control mechanics and sustainability characteristics. The backward orientation eliminates our most powerful control mechanism: head and shoulder control through upper body connection. Without visual and tactile feedback from opponent’s face and upper torso, we lose critical information about their defensive intentions and reactions. The biomechanics of reverse mount require core strength and balance adjustments that are inherently less stable than forward-facing positions. However, the position’s value lies not in its sustainability but in its transitional efficiency - it provides clean pathways to superior positions with minimal resistance. When opponent is flat, back control via hook insertion becomes remarkably accessible. When they begin defensive movement, the rotational transition to standard mount becomes natural and fluid. The critical error practitioners make is attempting to develop reverse mount as a destination position rather than recognizing its purpose as a efficient bridge between scrambles and dominant control positions.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, reverse mount happens a lot during scrambles - usually when you’re attacking the back and they defend by turning, or during chaotic transitions where positions flip rapidly. I never try to stay in reverse mount for more than a few seconds. I’m immediately thinking: can I get hooks in for back control? If yes, do it. If no, turn to standard mount. That’s it. No complicated decision tree, no trying to force submissions from an inherently unstable position. The position scores the same points as mount but it’s way less stable, so why stay there when you can easily convert to something better? Sometimes I’ll hit a quick armbar if their arm is completely out of position and the setup is obvious, but 95% of the time I’m transitioning immediately. In training, I drill smooth transitions FROM reverse mount rather than trying to develop a reverse mount game. It’s a bridge position, not a house you want to live in. The competitors who waste time trying to maintain reverse mount usually end up getting swept or losing position entirely.
Eddie Bravo
Reverse mount is interesting because it’s actually the setup position for some of our advanced 10th Planet techniques, particularly the twister and truck entries. But here’s the thing - the twister requires very specific positioning and opponent movement patterns that don’t happen frequently. Most of the time, you’re better off converting to standard mount or getting hooks in for back control. Where reverse mount shines in our system is as part of a flow sequence - you can flow smoothly from turtle top control to reverse mount to either back control or standard mount, maintaining offensive pressure throughout the transition. Don’t think of it as static position; think of it as part of a continuous flow sequence where you’re always moving toward better control. The exception is if you see the twister setup clear as day - opponent’s bottom leg is trapped, their upper body is turned away, everything lines up perfectly - then absolutely go for it because it’s devastating. But don’t force it. If the twister isn’t obviously there within 5 seconds, you should already be transitioning to mount or back control. The position’s value is in its flexibility and transition options, not in its ability to be held long-term.