Truck Bottom position is a highly disadvantageous defensive position where your back is partially exposed while the opponent controls from a perpendicular angle, typically with one leg trapped and upper body controlled. The position creates severe positional disadvantage as it often precedes back control (4 points) or submission. The bottom player must prioritize immediate defensive measures to prevent submission while working systematically toward escape routes that lead to guard recovery, turtle, or scramble positions.
Success in this position requires understanding the mechanical principles of spinal rotation limits, hip mobility, and weight distribution. The bottom practitioner must maintain awareness of submission threats (primarily the Twister, but also calf slicers, neck cranks, and back attacks) while executing defensive frames and hip movement to create escape opportunities. The psychological challenge cannot be understated—the unfamiliar body configuration and multiple submission threats create panic in inexperienced practitioners.
The position emerged from wrestling’s turk ride and was popularized in BJJ through Eddie Bravo’s 10th Planet system, where it serves as a gateway to the Twister submission and various back attacks. Unlike more stable bottom positions, the Truck Bottom offers limited offensive options, making escape the primary tactical objective. The granby roll is the primary escape mechanism, but timing and setup are critical.
Position Definition
- Bottom player positioned on side with back exposed to opponent who controls from behind or perpendicular angle, creating vulnerability to back attacks and spinal submissions
- One leg trapped or controlled by opponent (often in lockdown configuration or calf slicer position), limiting mobility and escape options with twisted configuration through lower body
- Opponent’s boot control on hip creates torque through body, generating corkscrew effect that restricts ability to turn, bridge, or shrimp using normal defensive movements
- Torso twisted due to leg entanglement and boot pressure, with one arm defending neck from twister attacks while other attempts to address boot or post for balance
- Mobility severely restricted in all planes of movement—cannot easily rotate to face opponent, legs entangled preventing normal escapes, back exposure limiting upper body defensive options
Prerequisites
- Opponent has achieved perpendicular control from turtle or scramble position
- One leg has been trapped or controlled by opponent’s lockdown or leg entanglement
- Upper body being controlled with opponent’s weight distributed over back/shoulders
- Understanding of granby roll mechanics and back rolling movement patterns
- Experience with back defense fundamentals including hand fighting and neck protection
Key Defensive 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
Available Escapes
Granby Roll → Turtle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 60%
Hip Escape → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Leg Extraction → Turtle
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Rolling Back Take → Open Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 55%
Forward Roll → Deep Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 30%
- Advanced: 50%
Technical Standup → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 10%
- Intermediate: 25%
- Advanced: 40%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent is setting up Twister (controlling far arm and twisting spine):
- Execute Chin Protection and Grip Defense → Defensive Position (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Granby Roll → Turtle (Probability: 50%)
Else if opponent is attacking trapped leg with calf slicer:
- Execute Leg Extraction → Half Guard (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Forward Roll → Deep Half Guard (Probability: 30%)
- Execute Tap Early Before Injury → Won by Submission (Probability: 35%)
Else if opponent has boot control but loose upper body control:
- Execute Hip Escape → Half Guard (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Granby Roll → Turtle (Probability: 40%)
Else if opponent is transitioning to back control (inserting hooks):
- Execute Back Escape Series → Turtle (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Rolling Back Take → Open Guard (Probability: 45%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Safest escape path
Truck → Leg Extraction → Turtle → Open Guard
Granby roll escape (technical defensive path)
Truck → Granby Roll timing → Turtle → Open Guard
Forward momentum escape (advanced defensive path)
Truck → Forward Roll → Deep Half Guard → Half Guard → Open Guard
Emergency standing escape (desperation path)
Truck → Technical Standup → Standing Position → Closed Guard
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 15% | 25% | 15% |
| Intermediate | 30% | 40% | 25% |
| Advanced | 50% | 60% | 35% |
Average Time in Position: 20-45 seconds (high urgency position requiring immediate action)