BJJ Graph

Side Control

Dec 09, 20258 min read

Side Control (also known as side mount or cross-side) is one of the most fundamental and dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, achieved when the top player lies perpendicularly across the opponent’s torso, controlling them without the opponent’s legs interfering. This position offers significant control and multiple attacking opportunities while providing a stable base from which to advance to more dominant positions. As one of the fundamental controlling positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Side Control serves as a critical gateway between guard passing and more dominant positions like mount or back control. The position is valued at 3 points in IBJJF competition and is considered one of the most versatile positions for both maintaining control and launching attacks. Mastery of Side Control requires understanding weight distribution, pressure application, and the ability to transition fluidly between variations while maintaining constant offensive pressure. The perpendicular body alignment creates maximum control surface area while minimizing the opponent’s leverage options, making it one of the most efficient positions for control relative to energy expenditure. From this position, the top player can methodically work toward submissions including Americana, kimura, and arm triangle chokes, advance to more dominant positions such as mount, north-south, or knee on belly, or simply maintain control to manage energy and score points. The psychological advantage is also significant - being trapped under side control is one of the most uncomfortable experiences in BJJ, and the constant threat of submissions and position advancement forces the bottom player into reactive, often desperate escape attempts that can be countered and capitalized upon. Understanding both the top and bottom perspectives of this position is essential for all BJJ practitioners, as it represents a critical stage in the positional hierarchy and offers numerous opportunities for both offensive advancement and defensive recovery depending on your position.

Key Principles

  • Distribute weight strategically across opponent’s chest and hips using shoulder pressure, chest weight, and hip positioning to maximize control while maintaining mobility

  • Eliminate space between bodies through constant pressure and connection, preventing opponent from creating frames or inserting defensive structures

  • Control opponent’s head and far-side arm using crossface, underhook, or gift wrap positions to limit their mobility and escape options

Top vs Bottom

VariantBottom RiskTop RiskBottom EnergyTop EnergyKey Difference
Side ControlHighLowHighLowPerpendicular alignment maximizes control
Kesa GatameHighMediumMediumMediumPerpendicular angle trades back exposure for arm
Kuzure Kesa-GatameHighLow to MediumHighMediumArm isolation for superior submission access
Modified Scarf HoldHighLow to MediumHighMediumChest pressure trades mobility for control
Reverse Kesa-GatameHighMediumHighMediumReverse orientation eliminates defensive frames
Reverse Scarf HoldHighMediumHighMediumReverse orientation creates unique control angles
Scarf Hold PositionHighLow to MediumMediumLowPerpendicular angle creates unique escapes
Side Control ConsolidationHighLowHighMediumTransitional phase trading speed for quality

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Create frames immediately to prevent opponent from settling full weight and establishing complete control

  • Protect neck and arms from submission attempts while working escape sequences

  • Generate space through hip movement (shrimping) and explosive bridging at opportune moments

  • Never allow opponent to advance to mount or back control during escape attempts

  • Work systematically toward guard recovery rather than attempting explosive escapes that expose you to submissions

  • Maintain defensive posture with elbows tight to body and chin protected from chokes

  • Time escape attempts with opponent’s transitions or submission setups when their base is compromised

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Attempting explosive escape movements without creating frames first

    • Consequence: Wastes energy, fails to create necessary space, and often exposes arms or neck to submission attacks
    • ✅ Correction: Establish defensive frames with forearms creating structure before attempting any hip movement or escape sequence

  • ❌ Pushing opponent’s head or chest with arms extended

    • Consequence: Exposes arms to kimura and americana submissions, weakens defensive structure, and provides opponent with easy submission opportunities
    • ✅ Correction: Keep elbows tight to body, frame against opponent’s hips and shoulders rather than pushing their head or chest directly

  • ❌ Turning toward opponent attempting to face them

    • Consequence: Gives up back control, exposes neck to chokes, and transitions from bad position to worse position
    • ✅ Correction: Turn away from opponent if must turn, always protect back and neck, work systematic escape sequences rather than desperate turning

  • ❌ Lying flat without creating any defensive structure

    • Consequence: Allows opponent to settle complete weight and control, makes escape extremely difficult, increases submission vulnerability dramatically
    • ✅ Correction: Immediately create frames even under heavy pressure, never accept flat position, constantly work to create small amounts of space

  • ❌ Attempting escapes at random times without timing

    • Consequence: Escapes fail against stable base, wastes energy on low-percentage attempts, allows opponent to counter and advance position
    • ✅ Correction: Time escape attempts with opponent’s transitions or submission attacks when their base is momentarily compromised

  • ❌ Neglecting to protect neck while focusing only on position escape

    • Consequence: Gets submitted by chokes during escape attempts, loses match despite having escape opportunity
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain chin protection and neck defense throughout all escape sequences, survival takes priority over escape

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Crossface Control: Forearm or bicep pressure across neck and face prevents opponent from turning into you and creates discomfort that forces reactions

  • Hip Pressure: Keep hips low and heavy on opponent’s hips to eliminate space and prevent guard recovery

  • Weight Distribution: Strategic placement of weight across torso limits opponent’s movement while preserving your mobility for transitions

  • Head Position: Your head positioned opposite the crossface creates additional pressure and prevents opponent from sitting up

  • Hip Control: Near hand blocks opponent’s far hip to prevent knee insertion and guard recovery

  • Base Management: Appropriate leg positioning with near leg posted and far leg sprawled provides stability against escape attempts

  • Chest Pressure: Perpendicular chest contact maximizes control surface and distributes weight effectively

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Positioning too high on opponent’s chest without hip contact

    • Consequence: Allows opponent to create space with their hips, insert a knee for guard recovery, losing the dominant position and potentially the pass points
    • ✅ Correction: Keep your hips low and in contact with opponent’s hips, distributing weight across their torso rather than stacking it high on their chest

  • ❌ Insufficient crossface pressure allowing opponent head mobility

    • Consequence: Opponent can turn their head toward you, create angles for escape, and begin bridging or shrimping effectively to recover guard
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain constant forearm or bicep pressure across opponent’s face and neck, driving their head away from you with heavy uncomfortable pressure

  • ❌ Failing to control opponent’s far hip with near hand

    • Consequence: Opponent can easily insert their knee between your bodies, immediately recovering half guard and nullifying your positional advantage
    • ✅ Correction: Keep your near hand actively blocking opponent’s far hip, preventing any knee insertion with constant downward pressure

  • ❌ Placing too much weight on hands instead of hips

    • Consequence: Creates space under your chest that opponent can exploit with frames and escapes, reduces control effectiveness significantly
    • ✅ Correction: Distribute weight through your hips and torso onto opponent’s body, hands should be light and mobile for control rather than bearing weight

  • ❌ Staying static without transitioning or attacking

    • Consequence: Allows opponent time to develop escape strategy, recover energy, and potentially create opportunities for reversal
    • ✅ Correction: Constantly threaten submissions or position advancements to keep opponent reactive and defensive with small weight shifts

  • ❌ Overcommitting to submissions without maintaining position

    • Consequence: Opponent escapes to guard or neutral position during your submission attempt, losing your dominant position entirely
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain positional control throughout submission attempts, return to solid side control if submission isn’t immediately available

  • Mount - Primary advancement target offering higher point value and increased control

  • North-South - Alternative dominant position accessed via head control transition

  • Knee on Belly - Transitional control position offering mobility and additional points

  • Back Control - Advanced position when opponent turns incorrectly during escape attempts

  • Half Guard - Common escape target for bottom player attempting guard recovery