How to Do the Back Take from Half Guard in BJJ
Taking the back from bottom half guard using the underhook to come up and behind. The dogfight position often leads to back take opportunities when the opponent cannot match your underhook.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Win the underhook from half guard
- 2 Come up to knees in dogfight
- 3 Circle behind using underhook
- 4 Insert hooks as you get behind
- 5 Secure seatbelt for full control
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Shallow underhook loses back take
- ⚠️ Not coming to knees with enough drive
- ⚠️ Going for back without proper angle
- ⚠️ Missing hooks during transition
- ⚠️ Getting guillotined while coming up
🔄 Variations
- → Dogfight to back
- → Old school sweep to back
- → Deep half to back
- → Lockdown to back take
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Wizzer to prevent back take
- → Guillotine as they come up
- → Flatten back to half guard
- → Turn to face from dogfight
Track Your Back Take from Half Guard Progress
Log every time you practice the Back Take from Half Guard and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Transitions
View all →Arm Drag
The arm drag is a fundamental wrestling technique adapted for BJJ. By pulling your opponent's arm ac...
Berimbolo
The berimbolo is an advanced back take from De La Riva guard. You invert underneath your opponent to...
Mount to Back Take
Taking the back when your opponent turns away to escape mount. Follow their turn and secure hooks....
Side Control to Mount
Advancing from side control to mount by stepping or sliding over to the full mount position....
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Back Take from Half Guard? ▼
The Back Take from Half Guard is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Back Take from Half Guard works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Back Take from Half Guard? ▼
The Back Take from Half Guard is typically executed from half guard. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.