Hip Connection | Leg Drag | Back Take

Maintaining hip connection is crucial for controlling an opponent's movement and securing positions. When an opponent is defensive and likely to move to avoid points or submissions, keeping your hips attached to theirs allows you to follow and anticipate their actions without needing visual cues.

1. Attach your hips to your opponent's to track their movement. This is essential for transitioning to attacks or maintaining control.
2. If the opponent attempts to forward roll to escape, maintain hip attachment to prevent them from re-establishing guard.
3. Following the opponent's hips during their forward roll will often lead you into a leg drag position.
4. To initiate a back take, use the outside arm to reach deeply across the opponent's back as they turn towards you.
5. Slide your knee up to elevate their side and prevent them from flattening out on the mat, which would cause you to lose the back take opportunity.
6. With your chest tight behind the opponent's back and your arm deep, you can insert hooks to secure back control.
7. If flexibility is an issue, drop your chest behind the opponent's back and use your knees to adjust before inserting hooks and taking the back.
8. Always be aware of the opponent's back exposure; when they are on their side and their back is off the mat, it's an opportunity for a back take.
9. When you secure the back, ensure your chest blocks the opponent's potential turn towards you, allowing you to set hooks and establish a dominant back control position.