Neck Crank

Key principles

• · The submission works by creating a lever on the head while pinning the torso, forcing the cervical spine past its safe range of motion.
• · Controlling the opponent's body with chest pressure or hip positioning prevents them from rotating to relieve spinal pressure.
• · Clasping hands behind the head or jaw and driving it toward the chest or shoulder creates the cranking force.
• · Anticipate the opponent turning into you to alleviate pressure by switching your hip angle or re-anchoring your grip to maintain misalignment.
• · Slow, steady pressure is more effective than explosive cranking, which allows the opponent to spaz out and escape.

Execution

1. 1 From side control top or closed guard top, secure a deep grip behind the opponent's head using a Gable grip, S-grip, or clasped hands around the crown or jaw line.
2. 2 Pin the opponent's torso firmly using chest-to-chest pressure (side control) or your bodyweight driving downward (guard top) so their shoulders cannot follow their head.
3. 3 Drive the opponent's chin toward their chest or laterally toward one shoulder while keeping their torso flat, creating severe flexion or lateral flexion of the cervical spine.
4. 4 Squeeze your elbows together and use your core to amplify the crank, adjusting angle if the opponent attempts to rotate or bridge out.
5. 5 Apply pressure progressively and hold until the tap, being prepared to release immediately given the injury risk to the cervical spine.