The Back Take from 50-50 represents one of the most technically sophisticated transitions in modern leg lock systems, converting a neutral leg entanglement into the highest-scoring and most dominant control position in BJJ. This technique capitalizes on a fundamental principle: when direct leg attacks are well-defended, transitioning to back control offers an alternative path to victory that bypasses the opponent’s leg lock defense entirely.
From the 50-50 position, the back take becomes available when your opponent successfully hides their heel or when you recognize that continuing to chase leg attacks will result in a stalemate. The transition requires precise timing and understanding of weight distribution - you must release your leg entanglement control at the exact moment when you can secure upper body control, creating a brief window where your opponent cannot re-establish the 50-50 or counter-attack your legs.
This technique has become increasingly important in high-level competition as leg lock defense has improved. Rather than engaging in prolonged heel hook battles, skilled practitioners use the back take threat to create a dilemma: defend your heel aggressively and expose your back, or maintain back defense and risk the leg attack. This strategic layer makes the back take from 50-50 essential knowledge for anyone serious about leg lock systems.
From Position: 50-50 Guard (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Back Take from 50-50?
- Release leg entanglement control only when upper body connection is secured to prevent opponent from escaping to neutral
- Use opponent’s defensive reactions to leg attacks as the trigger for back take initiation
- Maintain constant forward pressure through the transition to prevent opponent from sitting up or turning to face you
- Secure harness grip before fully committing to releasing leg control to ensure positional advancement
- Drive your chest into opponent’s back during the transition phase to establish the dominant angle immediately
- Control opponent’s hip closest to you to prevent them from turning into guard during the transition window
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Back Take from 50-50?
- Established 50-50 Guard top position with inside control and hip pressure advantage
- Opponent has successfully defended heel hook by hiding their heel or establishing strong grip defense
- Clear path to opponent’s back without significant obstacles or frames blocking upper body access
- Sufficient control of opponent’s near-side hip to prevent immediate rotation during release
- Recognition that leg attacks are unlikely to succeed within reasonable time frame
Execution Steps
How do you execute Back Take from 50-50 step by step?
- Secure upper body connection: While maintaining 50-50 position, reach your near-side arm over opponent’s shoulder blade and begin establishing harness grip by threading under their far armpit. This initial connection must be secured before releasing any leg control.
- Control near-side hip: Use your far-side hand to control opponent’s near-side hip, gripping their belt, pants, or hip bone directly. This prevents them from rotating toward you during the transition and creates an anchor point for your movement.
- Release leg entanglement: Extract your legs from the 50-50 configuration by straightening and pulling them free while maintaining upper body control. Your legs should clear completely before opponent can re-establish any leg entanglement or attack.
- Circle to back angle: Immediately after leg extraction, use your hip control to rotate around opponent’s body toward their back. Drive your chest into their shoulder blade while your legs begin positioning for hook insertion.
- Insert first hook: As you achieve chest-to-back connection, insert your inside hook by threading your foot between opponent’s legs and hooking inside their thigh. This hook prevents them from escaping by turning away from you.
- Complete back control: Finish the harness grip by connecting your hands in seatbelt configuration while inserting your second hook. Establish full back control with both hooks in and harness secured before opponent can defend or escape.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Back Control | 65% |
| Failure | 50-50 Guard | 25% |
| Counter | 50-50 Guard | 10% |
Opponent Counters
How might your opponent counter Back Take from 50-50?
- Opponent turns into you as you release legs, attempting to face you and recover guard (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Anticipate the turn and continue circling in the same direction, using their momentum to accelerate your transition to their back rather than fighting the rotation → Leads to 50-50 Guard
- Opponent posts their far hand and sits up aggressively during transition window (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Drive forward pressure through your chest and use your hip control grip to pull their hip toward you, collapsing their posting arm and flattening them → Leads to 50-50 Guard
- Opponent re-attacks your legs with heel hook attempt as you begin extracting (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Only initiate extraction when your upper body control is secure enough to pull away; if they attack, abort the back take and return to 50-50 top to re-establish control → Leads to 50-50 Guard
- Opponent turtles and protects their back by driving forward (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Follow them into turtle position where back control is still available through standard turtle attacks and spiral ride control → Leads to Back Control
Safety Considerations
What are the safety concerns for Back Take from 50-50?
The Back Take from 50-50 is generally a low-injury-risk technique when practiced with proper awareness. The primary safety concern occurs during the transition phase: if you attempt the back take while an active heel hook is being applied to your leg, you risk significant knee damage by pulling against the submission. Always ensure your own legs are safe before initiating the transition. During drilling, partners should communicate clearly about resistance levels and avoid explosive movements during the learning phase. The transition involves rapid position change, so be aware of training area boundaries to prevent rolling into other practitioners or obstacles. When training the technique at higher intensities, maintain awareness of your partner’s ability to safely receive the back control position.