The Back Step is a fundamental leg entanglement escape and guard pass that creates immediate pressure passing opportunities when an opponent attempts to enter outside ashi-garami or other leg entanglement positions. By stepping the trapped leg backward over the opponent’s body while maintaining heavy chest pressure, you simultaneously break their leg entanglement structure and establish dominant top position. This technique is essential in modern BJJ, particularly in no-gi competition where leg locks are prevalent. The back step exemplifies the principle of using aggressive forward movement to counter defensive guard retention, turning a potentially dangerous leg entanglement situation into a dominant passing position. When executed properly, the back step not only neutralizes the leg attack but also creates a direct path to side control or knee on belly, often catching opponents off-guard as they transition from offensive to defensive positioning.
From Position: Outside Ashi-Garami (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Back Step?
- Maintain constant forward chest pressure throughout the pass
- Step the trapped leg backward and over opponent’s body in one motion
- Keep hips low and weight distributed to prevent opponent re-guarding
- Control opponent’s near arm to prevent frames and defensive recovery
- Drive shoulder pressure into opponent’s sternum while passing
- Anticipate opponent’s leg recovery attempts and block with knee positioning
- Finish in consolidated side control with crossface control
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Back Step?
- Opponent has initiated or established outside ashi-garami position
- Your trapped leg is controlled between opponent’s legs
- You have established grips on opponent’s gi or body (no-gi)
- Your chest is driving forward with pressure toward opponent’s upper body
- Opponent’s legs are not locked in tight heel hook configuration
- You have cleared opponent’s top leg off your hip or are prepared to do so
Execution Steps
How do you execute Back Step step by step?
- Establish forward pressure: Drive your chest forward and downward toward the opponent’s upper body, creating heavy pressure that forces their shoulders toward the mat. This pressure is critical as it prevents them from sitting up and maintaining strong leg entanglement structure. Keep your weight distributed over your hands and chest, not sitting back on your hips.
- Control near arm: Secure a grip on the opponent’s near side arm (the arm closest to your trapped leg) by grabbing the wrist or tricep. In gi, you can use sleeve grips. This arm control prevents them from posting and creating frames that would allow them to maintain distance and complete their leg entanglement or sit up for better attacking position.
- Clear top leg: Use your free hand to push or swim underneath the opponent’s top leg that is crossing over your hip or thigh. Create enough space to allow your trapped leg to move freely. In some cases, you may need to use your hip movement to create this space rather than purely hand fighting. The goal is to reduce the opponent’s control points from two legs to one.
- Execute back step: Step your trapped leg backward in a large circular motion, bringing your knee and foot over the opponent’s entire body toward their far side. This is not a small adjustment but a deliberate, committed step that completely changes your body position. Your stepping leg should end up on the far side of their body with your knee near their far shoulder or ribs. Maintain chest pressure throughout this movement.
- Drive shoulder pressure: As your leg clears over their body, simultaneously drive your shoulder (on the side of the back-stepping leg) into the opponent’s chest or sternum. This shoulder pressure combined with your hip and chest weight creates a crushing force that flattens them to the mat and makes it extremely difficult for them to recover guard or re-establish leg entanglement control.
- Establish crossface control: Immediately secure a crossface position by driving your forearm or bicep across the opponent’s face and neck, with your head positioned on the far side of their head. This control prevents them from turning into you and beginning guard recovery. In gi, you can grab their far lapel or collar. In no-gi, focus on controlling their head and far shoulder with underhook or overhook grips.
- Consolidate side control: Settle your weight into side control position with your chest across the opponent’s chest, hips low and heavy on the mat, and your legs positioned to prevent guard recovery. Check that their near arm is controlled (underhook or pin), establish a strong crossface, and distribute your weight to make it difficult for them to breathe or create space. Anticipate and block any hip escape or elbow escape attempts.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Side Control | 65% |
| Failure | Outside Ashi-Garami | 25% |
| Counter | Outside Ashi-Garami | 10% |
Opponent Counters
How might your opponent counter Back Step?
- Opponent locks tight heel hook configuration before back step (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Abandon back step attempt and focus on immediate heel hook defense by hiding your heel, turning your knee inward, and hand fighting to strip their grips before attempting any passing movements → Leads to Outside Ashi-Garami
- Opponent sits up and maintains upper body posture during entry (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Increase chest pressure by lowering your level and driving forward harder. Consider alternative passes like knee slice or leg weave if they successfully maintain upright posture and strong leg control → Leads to Outside Ashi-Garami
- Opponent transitions to inside ashi or 50-50 as you clear their top leg (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Recognize the position change immediately and adjust your passing strategy. In inside ashi, the back step is still viable but requires more careful execution. In 50-50, consider alternative escapes and passes specific to that entanglement → Leads to Outside Ashi-Garami
- Opponent creates strong far side frame to prevent shoulder pressure (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Swim underneath their framing arm with your own arm, establishing an underhook on their far side before completing the back step. This removes their ability to frame and creates a more secure passing position → Leads to Outside Ashi-Garami
- Opponent recovers butterfly or closed guard as you pass (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: This indicates insufficient pressure during the pass. Restart with more aggressive chest and shoulder pressure, and ensure you’re blocking their hip movement with your own hip and knee positioning as you establish side control → Leads to Outside Ashi-Garami
Safety Considerations
What are the safety concerns for Back Step?
The back step is generally a safe technique when executed with proper control and awareness. However, practitioners must be extremely cautious about heel hook danger when working from leg entanglement positions. Never force a back step if the opponent has secured a tight heel hook configuration, as this can result in serious knee or ankle injuries. Always prioritize defending the submission before attempting any passing movements. When drilling, communicate clearly with your partner about resistance levels and stop immediately if either person feels vulnerable positioning. Start with slow, controlled repetitions and gradually increase speed and resistance as both partners become comfortable with the movements and safety protocols.