Zombie Top is the controlling position against the opponent’s Zombie lockdown structure from 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. The top player faces a defensive opponent using the lockdown (leg triangle around one leg) combined with an underhook, creating a highly defensive half guard variation. This position requires strategic passing approaches that neutralize the lockdown’s power while maintaining top control and avoiding sweeps.
The Zombie Top position emphasizes posture control, crossface pressure, and systematic leg extraction. Unlike traditional half guard top positions, the lockdown creates significant tension on the trapped leg, requiring specialized passing sequences. The top player must balance maintaining control while working methodically to either extract the leg or transition to alternative passing strategies.
Success in Zombie Top depends on recognizing the opponent’s defensive structure and selecting appropriate passing sequences. The position offers multiple offensive pathways including pressure-based passes, leg weave entries, and transitions to back control when the opponent’s defensive posture breaks down. Understanding the lockdown mechanics and the opponent’s available sweeps is essential for maintaining top control.
Position Definition
- Top player positioned over opponent in half guard configuration with one leg trapped by opponent’s lockdown (leg triangle), maintaining upper body posture and weight distribution through hips and shoulders
- Opponent on their back or side utilizing lockdown on one leg while maintaining underhook control on same side, creating defensive structure with body turned slightly to side for escape attempts
- Top player’s trapped leg experiencing tension from lockdown pressure while free leg posts for base, with upper body controlling opponent’s head and shoulders through crossface or underhook counters
- Opponent’s defensive frame includes lockdown control plus underhook grip, attempting to break top player’s posture while threatening Old School Sweep and Electric Chair submissions from bottom position
Prerequisites
- Opponent has established Zombie lockdown structure from half guard bottom
- Top player has passed opponent’s initial guard frames
- Top player maintains upper body control (crossface, whizzer, or underhook)
- Top player’s leg trapped in lockdown triangle configuration
Key Offensive Principles
- Maintain strong crossface or whizzer control to prevent opponent’s underhook from dominating position
- Keep weight distributed through hips and chest to prevent opponent from creating angles for sweeps
- Control opponent’s head position to limit mobility and defensive adjustments
- Systematically work to extract trapped leg through posture and pressure rather than explosive force
- Recognize opponent’s sweep attempts early (Old School, Electric Chair) and counter with weight shifts
- Use strategic transitions to alternative positions when direct passing becomes stalled
- Maintain patient pressure while advancing passing sequences without overcommitting to single approach
Available Attacks
Crossface Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Leg Weave Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Knee Slice Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 32%
- Intermediate: 47%
- Advanced: 62%
Smash Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 28%
- Intermediate: 43%
- Advanced: 58%
Turtle to Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Crab Ride to Back → Crab Ride
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Anaconda from Turtle → Anaconda Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 38%
- Advanced: 52%
Darce from Turtle → D’arce Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 22%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 48%
Back Take Generic → Crucifix
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 33%
- Advanced: 46%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent maintains strong lockdown and underhook with good posture control:
- Execute Crossface Pass → Side Control (Probability: 45%)
- Execute Leg Weave Pass → Side Control (Probability: 40%)
If opponent’s lockdown begins to loosen or defensive structure weakens:
- Execute Knee Slice Pass → Side Control (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Smash Pass → Side Control (Probability: 42%)
If opponent turns to turtle to escape passing pressure:
- Execute Turtle to Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Crab Ride to Back → Crab Ride (Probability: 52%)
- Execute Anaconda from Turtle → Anaconda Control (Probability: 38%)
If opponent attempts sweep (Old School, Electric Chair):
- Execute Crossface Pass → Side Control (Probability: 48%)
- Execute Underhook Pass → Side Control (Probability: 40%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Back Attack Path
Zombie Top → Turtle to Back Take → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
Front Headlock Path
Zombie Top → Anaconda from Turtle → Anaconda Control → Anaconda Choke
Darce Sequence
Zombie Top → Darce from Turtle → D'arce Control → Darce Choke
Crucifix Path
Zombie Top → Back Take Generic → Crucifix → Armbar from Crucifix
Side Control Submission Path
Zombie Top → Crossface Pass → Side Control → Kimura from Side Control
Mount Progression
Zombie Top → Knee Slice Pass → Side Control → Side Control to Mount → Armbar from Mount
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 60% | 35% | 15% |
| Intermediate | 72% | 50% | 25% |
| Advanced | 82% | 65% | 38% |
Average Time in Position: 2-4 minutes
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The Zombie Top position exemplifies the importance of systematic pressure application over explosive force. The lockdown creates significant mechanical tension on the trapped leg, making forceful extraction counterproductive and energy-intensive. Instead, focus on controlling the opponent’s upper body through crossface mechanics while gradually adjusting your hip position to neutralize the lockdown’s power. The passing sequence should progress from establishing dominant head control, to flattening the opponent’s defensive posture, to creating angles for leg extraction or alternative passing paths. Understanding the biomechanics of how the lockdown generates tension allows you to methodically dismantle the position rather than fighting against it. The key insight is that the lockdown is a mechanical constraint that limits the opponent’s mobility as much as yours - by controlling their upper body, you transform their defensive structure into a trap that prevents their own escapes.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, Zombie Top requires patience and strategic decision-making. Many opponents who play the lockdown are comfortable stalling in this position, so you need to be even more comfortable applying sustained pressure without burning energy. I focus heavily on the crossface because it prevents the Old School Sweep and limits their ability to create attacking angles. When the lockdown is extremely tight, I’ll often transition my focus to back-takes rather than forcing the pass directly - if they turn to turtle to escape my pressure, that’s often a cleaner path to dominant position. Don’t get frustrated by the lockdown; treat it as an opportunity to develop your pressure passing and control maintenance against a defensively-oriented opponent. The competitive reality is that most lockdown players will eventually make a mistake or give you an opening if you maintain relentless pressure without overcommitting to any single attack. Stay patient, control the head, and wait for your moment.
Eddie Bravo
As the creator of the Zombie position, I can tell you that top players who understand the system will beat those who don’t every time. The lockdown is designed to create a dilemma - if you try to extract your leg forcefully, you play into the sweep mechanics. If you stay passive, the bottom player can work their underhook and create attacking opportunities. The key is active pressure with smart direction. Drive your crossface hard, control the head, and use your free leg positioning to create passing angles. When you feel the lockdown start to loosen, that’s when you accelerate the pass. Also, be ready for the turtle transition - many lockdown players will bail to turtle when the pressure gets heavy, and that’s your chance to take the back. The Zombie is a complete system from bottom, but it has clear weaknesses when the top player applies the right pressure sequences. Don’t fight the lockdown directly - instead, attack the head and upper body control, and the lockdown will eventually break down on its own.