Underhook Attacks: Shooting the Underhook

Attacking from the bottom half guard with an underhook is a powerful and common technique. To initiate an attack, it's preferable to have the opponent's weight on you. If they are playing defensively and staying back, use the knee shield to push and then pull them onto you, creating the necessary weight distribution.

1. When ready to shoot the underhook, straighten the leg on the same side to avoid creating space that would prevent a chest-to-chest connection and allow the opponent to regain the underhook.
2. Shoot the underhook while simultaneously coming up to your elbow, using the momentum to help you get up. This movement should be smooth, especially as the opponent's weight shifts forward.
3. Once on the elbow, shift your body slightly to the outside, moving your head towards the opponent's far shoulder.
4. Lift the underhook and scoot your hips out to the side, while moving your free elbow back to use as a base if the opponent pushes into you. Stay on the elbow rather than the hand for better support and less strain.
5. Ensure the opponent overhooks your underhooking arm to prevent them from shucking you forward and taking your back. If they fail to overhook, you have the option to shuck them forward and go to the back.
6. Reach your underhooking hand as far across the opponent's back as possible, aiming to grip their lat muscle. Adjust your angle to the side and lift the elbow to reach deeper.
7. Throughout the movement, keep the inside leg hooked around the opponent's leg to prevent them from escaping. Use the outside leg to help scoot and adjust your position.
8. Practice this drill repeatedly, either for a set time or a certain number of repetitions, to become efficient at shooting the underhook and getting the correct angle for a strong attacking position.