The Back Take from Crackhead Control represents one of the highest-percentage transitions in modern no-gi grappling, capitalizing on the unique chair-sit mechanics of the crackhead position to secure the most dominant control in BJJ. This transition exploits the inherent hip isolation created by sitting on your opponent’s lower back, using your inside leg hook as a pivot point to rotate around their body while maintaining constant chest-to-back connection throughout the movement.
The technique thrives on the dilemma-based nature of crackhead control - your opponent must choose between defending the back take or addressing other threats like truck entries and arm attacks. When they commit defensive resources to protecting one avenue, the back take becomes increasingly available. The transition requires understanding that your hip pressure creates a fulcrum effect; as you begin rotating, your opponent’s hip mobility remains severely restricted, preventing them from turning into you or creating the space needed to block hook insertion.
From a strategic standpoint, the back take from crackhead control serves as the primary advancement pathway in the 10th Planet turtle attack system. It connects directly to the highest-scoring and highest-submission-percentage position in grappling, making it an essential technique for competitive practitioners. The transition exemplifies the modern approach to positional grappling where control positions exist primarily as launching platforms for further advancement rather than static holding positions.
From Position: Crackhead Control (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Back Take?
- Maintain constant hip-to-hip connection throughout the transition to prevent opponent from creating escape space
- Use the inside leg hook as the primary anchor and pivot point for rotational movement around opponent’s body
- Keep chest pressure forward on opponent’s back to prevent them from turning into you during the transition
- Time the rotation for moments when opponent is reactive to other threats, exploiting their divided defensive attention
- Establish harness or seatbelt grip before completing hook insertion to prevent opponent from stripping your control
- Follow opponent’s defensive movements rather than forcing against them, using their energy to facilitate your rotation
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Back Take?
- Crackhead control established with hips loaded on opponent’s lower back in chair-sit position
- Inside leg hook secured controlling the space between opponent’s legs preventing sit-through escape
- Upper body control through overhook, underhook, or collar tie limiting opponent’s defensive options
- Opponent’s base sufficiently broken that they cannot explosively stand or generate forward movement
- Weight distribution favoring hip pressure with upper body remaining mobile for the rotation
Execution Steps
How do you execute Back Take step by step?
- Secure upper body control: Establish seatbelt grip with your choking arm (over shoulder) and underhook arm (under armpit) while maintaining hip pressure on opponent’s lower back. Clasp hands together using a gable grip or S-grip configuration.
- Load weight forward: Shift your weight forward through your chest onto opponent’s upper back, slightly releasing hip pressure to create mobility for rotation while maintaining chest-to-back connection that prevents them from turning.
- Begin rotation using inside hook: Use your inside leg hook as a pivot point, rotating your hips around opponent’s body toward the side of your underhook arm. Your outside leg swings around to begin clearing their hip.
- Insert first hook: As your rotation brings you alongside opponent’s body, insert your first hook (previously inside leg) deep into their thigh with your foot crossing inside toward their groin area. Toes point outward.
- Complete rotation and insert second hook: Continue rotating until your chest is fully behind opponent’s back, then insert your second hook on the opposite side. Both feet should be positioned inside their thighs with heels driving toward their hips.
- Consolidate back control: Settle your hips below opponent’s hips to create downward pressure, tighten seatbelt grip, and establish full chest-to-back connection. Begin threat assessment for submission entries.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Back Control | 65% |
| Failure | Crackhead Control | 25% |
| Counter | Turtle | 10% |
Opponent Counters
How might your opponent counter Back Take?
- Opponent sits through toward your hooks during rotation, attempting to face you and recover guard (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Maintain inside hook as anchor and follow their movement, using their rotation momentum to complete your back take on the opposite side → Leads to Crackhead Control
- Opponent explosively stands up before you complete the rotation, breaking your hip control (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Transition to standing back control by maintaining harness grip and jumping hooks in, or drop to ankle pick if they create too much distance → Leads to Turtle
- Opponent granby rolls forward as you initiate rotation, attempting to invert and face you (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow the roll and transition to truck position by controlling the near leg, converting the escape attempt into another attacking position → Leads to Crackhead Control
- Opponent posts arm and creates frame to prevent rotation around their body (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: Attack the posted arm with crucifix entry or arm triangle setup, converting their defensive post into submission opportunity → Leads to Crackhead Control
Safety Considerations
What are the safety concerns for Back Take?
The Back Take from Crackhead Control is generally safe when practiced with proper technique and communication. Primary risks involve neck strain if the seatbelt grip is applied too aggressively during the rotation phase, particularly if opponent resists by tucking their chin forcefully. Practice the rotation mechanics slowly before adding speed, and ensure partners communicate any discomfort in the neck or shoulder area. Avoid cranking the seatbelt grip during drilling; save full-pressure applications for controlled sparring with experienced partners. When your partner taps, release immediately regardless of position in the transition sequence.