BJJ Graph

Truck

Dec 09, 20257 min read

The Truck Position is a specialized back-attack control position developed and popularized by Eddie Bravo within the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system. This position creates a unique control system where the controlling practitioner is positioned perpendicular to their opponent, with legs entangled in a figure-four configuration controlling the opponent’s lower body while maintaining upper body control through various grips.

The truck represents the convergence of leg lock systems and back attack systems, making it one of the most dangerous positions in modern no-gi grappling. The position’s power comes from the dilemma it creates: defending upper body attacks (Twister, bow and arrow choke) exposes the lower body to leg attacks (calf slicer, banana split), while defending leg attacks allows upper body submissions. This multiple-threat system makes the truck one of the highest finishing-rate positions in modern BJJ.

The position exists in two distinct perspectives: from the bottom, it is a high-danger defensive position requiring immediate escape mechanics and submission defense, while from the top it is an offensive control position with multiple submission paths. The boot pressure (foot against hip) is the engine of the top position, creating torque that enables all subsequent attacks. Understanding both perspectives is essential for complete truck position mastery.

Key Principles

  • Leg entanglement controls lower body mobility and creates submission opportunities

  • Perpendicular body alignment maximizes leverage for both control and attacks

  • Boot pressure (top) or boot clearing (bottom) is fundamental to position success

  • Multiple simultaneous threats force opponent into defensive dilemmas

  • Position rewards systematic approach over rushing to submissions

  • Spine and legs are attacked from different planes creating difficult defense

  • Always maintain back control option as transition alternative

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeDefensiveOffensive/Controlling
Risk LevelHighMedium
Energy CostMediumMedium
TimeShortMedium

Key Difference: Leg entanglement creates dual spinal threats

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Protect neck immediately with chin tucked and hands defending against collar grips or choking attempts

  • Prevent full spinal rotation by limiting how far opponent can twist torso using defensive frames and base

  • Keep trapped leg active and working to extract from lockdown or leg control rather than accepting position

  • Maintain awareness of both submission threats (Twister, calf slicer) and positional advancement (back take)

  • Create systematic escape by addressing leg control first, then upper body control, then achieving safe position

  • Use hip movement and bridging to relieve pressure and create angles for extraction of trapped leg

  • Calm under pressure: maintain composure and systematic defense rather than panicking and burning energy

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Accepting leg trap without immediately working to extract trapped leg

    • Consequence: Allows opponent to consolidate control and set up calf slicer or twister with full mechanical advantage
    • ✅ Correction: Immediately begin circling trapped leg, using ankle flexibility and hip rotation to create space and work toward extraction

  • ❌ Flattening out completely on stomach instead of maintaining some hip elevation

    • Consequence: Gives opponent stable platform to finish twister or transition to back control with both hooks
    • ✅ Correction: Keep hips slightly elevated and active, using base from free leg and hands to prevent complete flattening

  • ❌ Exposing neck by reaching for trapped leg or looking toward opponent

    • Consequence: Opens up rear naked choke, guillotine variations, or allows easier twister setup with exposed cervical spine
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain chin protection with hands near neck, keep head position neutral or slightly tucked while using peripheral vision

  • ❌ Using only upper body strength to escape without engaging hip movement

    • Consequence: Exhausts energy rapidly without creating meaningful escape opportunities or relieving submission pressure
    • ✅ Correction: Coordinate hip escapes, bridges, and rotations with upper body frames to create systematic escape sequences

  • ❌ Panicking and burning energy with frantic movements

    • Consequence: Rapid exhaustion leaves you defenseless against submissions and unable to execute escape sequences
    • ✅ Correction: Breathe calmly, prioritize neck protection first, then work systematically through escape steps without wasting energy

  • ❌ Not tapping early to twister or calf slicer

    • Consequence: Both submissions can cause serious spinal or knee injuries with very little warning
    • ✅ Correction: Tap immediately when you feel twister crank on spine or calf slicer compressing knee joint—preserve training longevity

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Boot Pressure Maintenance: Constant hip/thigh pressure controls opponent orientation and prevents rotation

  • Leg Entanglement Control: Tangled legs restrict opponent mobility and create submission opportunities

  • Multiple Threat System: Chain between twister, calf slicer, banana split, and back control

  • Upper-Lower Body Connection: Coordinate leg control with arm attacks for maximum effectiveness

  • Slow Methodical Attacks: Position rewards patience and systematic progression over rushing

  • Dilemma Creation: Force opponent to choose which attack to defend, opening other opportunities

  • Back Control Option: Always maintain ability to transition to traditional back control as fallback

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Losing boot pressure during submission attempts

    • Consequence: Opponent escapes the torque control and can roll through or untangle legs, losing the dominant position entirely
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain constant boot pressure even while working upper body attacks; the boot is foundation of all control

  • ❌ Rushing the twister without proper setup

    • Consequence: Attempt fails and alerts opponent to threat, allowing them to hide arms and defend effectively
    • ✅ Correction: Establish full control first: secure boot pressure, control opponent’s near arm, achieve proper chest position, then methodically work twister grip

  • ❌ Failing to coordinate upper and lower body attacks

    • Consequence: Attacks become predictable and easier to defend; opponent can focus defensive efforts on one area
    • ✅ Correction: Create true dilemmas by threatening both areas simultaneously. When opponent defends high, immediately attack low

  • ❌ Neglecting the back control transition option

    • Consequence: Getting stuck in truck position without finishing, allowing opponent time to develop better defenses
    • ✅ Correction: Always maintain awareness of back control option. When submissions aren’t immediately available, transition to traditional back control

  • ❌ Improper leg entanglement leading to opponent’s leg freedom

    • Consequence: Opponent can use freed legs to create space, push away, or complete escape movements
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain tight leg entanglement with proper hooks and boot control. If opponent begins freeing legs, immediately adjust positioning

  • ❌ Over-committing to one submission while ignoring escape attempts

    • Consequence: Opponent escapes position while you’re focused on finishing, losing all control
    • ✅ Correction: Stay aware of opponent’s escape attempts even during submission sequences. Be willing to abandon one attack to maintain position

  • Turtle - Primary entry position for truck attacks

  • Back Control - Alternative advancement and fallback position

  • Crab Ride - Related back attack position with similar mechanics

  • Twister Control - Specialized submission position from truck

  • Crucifix - Alternative control position with arm isolation

  • Half Guard - Common entry point and escape destination

  • Deep Half Guard - Escape route from truck bottom via forward roll

  • Lockdown - 10th Planet position connecting to truck entries

  • Electric Chair - Related leg entanglement position in 10th Planet system

  • Dogfight Position - Scramble position related to truck escapes

  • Scramble Position - Transition state during truck entries and escapes