Truck Top Position is a dominant back-attack variation where you control your opponent from behind with their legs entangled, using your boot (foot) pressed against their hip to create torque and control while hunting for twister, calf slicer, banana split, or back control finishes. Popularized by Eddie Bravo and the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, this position represents an evolution of traditional back control that emphasizes leg entanglement and spinal attacks.
The position’s power comes from the dilemma it creates: defending the upper body (twister) exposes the lower body (calf slicer/banana split), while defending the lower body allows upper body attacks. This multiple-threat system makes the truck one of the highest finishing-rate positions in modern BJJ. The boot control is the engine of the position, creating the torque that enables all subsequent attacks. The position serves as both a submission hunting platform and a back control entry system.
Advanced practitioners use the truck as a transitional position, flowing between leg attacks, spinal locks, and traditional back control based on defensive reactions. The position is particularly effective in no-gi environments where the lack of grips forces opponents to rely on framing and hip movement, both of which can be nullified through proper boot pressure and leg entanglement.
Position Definition
- Boot (foot) pressed firmly against opponent’s hip or thigh, creating constant lateral pressure that prevents them from squaring up or rolling through to escape, acting as fulcrum point generating torque through opponent’s spine and lower body
- Opponent positioned on their side with back exposed to top player, unable to face forward or achieve neutral posture due to leg entanglement and boot pressure controlling their hip orientation and rotational movement
- Legs entangled with opponent’s legs in configuration that restricts their ability to straighten, separate, or use legs for escape movements, typically one leg hooked or controlled while other leg’s foot provides boot pressure
- Upper body control established through arm positioning across opponent’s chest, shoulders, or neck, creating connection between leg control and upper body attacks coordinating with boot pressure
- Top player’s chest or shoulder pressure against opponent’s back or upper shoulder, pinning them in place and preventing forward rolls or hip escapes with weight distribution keeping opponent flattened on their side
Prerequisites
- Understanding of back take mechanics and rear control principles
- Knowledge of leg entanglement systems and boot control methodology
- Experience with crab ride position and turtle top attacks
- Familiarity with twister mechanics, safety protocols, and spinal lock applications
- Ability to maintain control while transitioning between upper and lower body attacks
Key Offensive 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
Available Attacks
Twister → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Calf Slicer from Truck → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Banana Split → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 30%
- Advanced: 45%
Rolling Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Crab Ride to Back → Crab Ride
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Transition to Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 28%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 58%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent defends upper body by hiding arms and protecting neck:
- Execute Calf Slicer from Truck → Won by Submission (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Banana Split → Won by Submission (Probability: 45%)
Else if opponent defends lower body by straightening legs or clearing hooks:
- Execute Twister → Won by Submission (Probability: 50%)
- Execute Bow and Arrow Choke → Won by Submission (Probability: 40%)
Else if opponent attempts to roll through or forward roll escape:
- Execute Rolling Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix (Probability: 50%)
Else if opponent clears boot pressure and begins to escape leg entanglement:
- Execute Truck Entry → Back Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Transition to Mount → Mount (Probability: 45%)
Else if opponent turtles up or attempts to stand:
- Execute Turtle to Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Kimura from Turtle → Kimura Control (Probability: 50%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Highest Percentage Path (Calf Slicer Focus)
Turtle → Truck Entry → Truck → Calf Slicer from Truck → Won by Submission
Advanced Spinal Attack Path
Crab Ride → Transition to Truck → Truck → Twister → Won by Submission
Groin Attack Path
Back Control → Rolling to Truck → Truck → Banana Split → Won by Submission
Back Control Transition Path
Truck → Rolling Back Take → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission
Crucifix Development Path
Truck → Crucifix from Turtle → Crucifix → Armbar from Crucifix → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 30% | 35% | 25% |
| Intermediate | 50% | 55% | 45% |
| Advanced | 70% | 75% | 65% |
Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds before submission or transition
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The truck position represents a fascinating biomechanical puzzle where traditional back control principles are modified through leg entanglement to create new submission mechanics. The boot pressure against the hip creates a lever system that generates spinal rotation, fundamentally different from the compression-based attacks of standard back control. What makes the truck systematically powerful is the true dilemma it creates: the opponent must simultaneously defend their spine from rotational attacks (twister, bow and arrow) and their legs from compression attacks (calf slicer, banana split). This dual-plane threat system means that defending one area inherently exposes the other. The key technical element is maintaining boot pressure throughout all attacks - this pressure is not simply positional control but rather the mechanical engine that enables the submission attempts. Students must understand that the truck is not a static position but a dynamic control system where small adjustments in boot angle and pressure create vastly different submission opportunities. The position’s complexity lies in coordinating three separate control systems: boot pressure for torque, leg entanglement for immobilization, and upper body control for submission completion.
Gordon Ryan
I don’t hunt for the truck position actively in my game, but when the entry presents itself—particularly from turtle or half guard back takes—I use it to finish immediately or force the opponent into worse positions. The calf slicer from truck is my highest percentage attack because it’s less familiar to most opponents than the twister, and the pain comes on quickly, leading to fast taps. In competition, I’m always aware that the truck can be controversial with some referees regarding back point criteria, so I typically use it as a quick finishing attempt before transitioning to standard back control. The position works best against opponents who aren’t specifically trained in 10th Planet systems, as those familiar with the truck have developed specific defenses that make finishing more challenging. My approach is to enter the truck with a specific submission in mind based on how I got there—if they’re defending upper body heavily, I immediately go to the calf slicer; if they’re worried about their legs, the twister becomes available. The key is not spending too much time in the position hunting for the perfect setup but rather taking the first high-percentage submission that appears and being willing to bail to back control if it’s not immediately there.
Eddie Bravo
The truck is a cornerstone of the 10th Planet system—it’s our answer to the guard pass-to-back control sequence that traditional BJJ emphasizes. What makes the truck revolutionary is the multiple submission threats it creates from a single position. Students often make the mistake of fixating on the twister, but the real power is in the submission chains: threaten the twister and they defend high, hit the calf slicer low; defend the calf slicer and they expose the banana split or electric chair. The boot control is everything—if you lose that pressure, the position falls apart. We drill truck entries from everywhere: turtle, half guard, rubber guard, even standing. The key innovation is recognizing that back control doesn’t have to look like traditional back control to be effective. The truck proves that leg entanglement combined with back exposure creates finishes that traditional positions can’t access. In no-gi especially, where grips are limited, the truck’s mechanical control through boot pressure and leg entanglement becomes even more powerful because opponents can’t use collar or sleeve grips to defend. The position embodies our philosophy: create control systems that force opponents into submission dilemmas they haven’t trained to defend.