Rolling Back Take

Transition

The rolling back take is a dynamic transition where you barrel roll over or around your opponent to arrive at back control. It is used when you have a hook or upper body attachment and your opponent's base is compromised or they are turtled, allowing you to invert or roll through to secure the back rather than fighting for it statically.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · Maintain at least one strong attachment point (seatbelt, harness, leg hook, or overhook) throughout the entire roll to stay connected.
  • · Use diagonal momentum—roll over your own shoulder toward the opposite hip, not straight over your head.
  • · Time the roll when your opponent posts, drives forward, or is otherwise committed in one direction so their weight aids the rotation.
  • · Keep your hips tight to your opponent's body during the roll to prevent space that allows escape.
  • · Anticipate your opponent flattening or turning into you by immediately inserting hooks or transitioning to body triangle upon landing.

Execution

  1. 1 Secure your grip (harness, seatbelt, overhook, or leg hook) and position your hips close to your opponent's body.
  2. 2 Tuck your head to the rolling-side shoulder, pull your opponent's weight onto you, and initiate the diagonal roll across your back.
  3. 3 Stay glued to your opponent throughout the rotation, using your grips to drag them with you as you invert.
  4. 4 As you complete the roll, immediately insert both hooks or lock a body triangle to establish back control.
  5. 5 If hooks are denied, transition to crab ride, turtle top, or reset to a dominant upper body position.

Common mistakes

  • × Rolling without a secure grip connection, causing separation mid-roll and landing in a scramble or losing position entirely.
  • × Rolling straight over the head instead of diagonally, which stalls the momentum and leaves you inverted without arriving at the back.
  • × Failing to insert hooks immediately after completing the roll, giving the opponent time to turn in and recover guard.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Rolling Back Take shows up.

Crab Ride Harness Inverted Guard Underhook Control
9 less common
Backside 50-50 Body Lock Leg Hook Matrix Omoplata Control Overhook Guard Quarter Guard Reverse De La Riva Guard Bottom Rodeo Ride

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Back Control Top Body Triangle Open Guard Top Scramble Position