Three Options for Underhook Takedowns

In grappling sports such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and MMA, mastering various takedowns can give you a significant edge. One key aspect of establishing control is securing an underhook. This technique involves placing your arm under your opponent’s arm and hooking your hand on their back, allowing you to control their posture and balance. The underhook not only provides access to numerous control techniques but also creates opportunities for effective takedowns. In this article, we'll explore three impactful takedowns you can perform from the underhook position.

The Power of Controlling the Opponent

Contrary to popular belief, grappling isn't solely about taking opponents down and submitting them. A significant aspect involves employing a comprehensive approach, using grips and positional techniques to gain an advantage. The underhook is one of the most versatile tools in this arsenal. To be an effective practitioner, it's crucial to not only have a range of submission techniques but also to excel at compelling your opponent to defend. The underhook is a prime technique for achieving this.

Grappling is fundamentally about the exchange of offensive and defensive cycles between opponents. Limiting your opponent’s offensive options should be a primary goal, as a fully resisting opponent will do everything possible to avoid being taken down or submitted. Therefore, establishing dominance early using tools like the underhook is essential.

By securing an underhook, you gain leverage that can be critical in both offensive and defensive situations. This control limits your opponent’s ability to strike or escape, providing you with multiple options to execute takedowns or transition to more dominant positions.

Now that we appreciate the value of the underhook, let’s look at three recommended takedowns you can execute from this position.

The high crotch takedown is a classic wrestling technique that is also highly effective in BJJ and MMA. To execute it, start by establishing a deep underhook on one side while using your other hand to control your opponent’s leg. Focus on the thigh of the leg opposite your underhook, lifting with your legs and hips while simultaneously pulling down on the underhook to off-balance your opponent. Rotate towards the underhook side to bring them to the ground. This takedown is particularly effective as it combines upper body control through the underhook with a powerful leg attack, disrupting your opponent’s base and making it challenging for them to defend.

The knee pick is a technique that relies on precision and timing, making it a valuable addition to your grappling toolkit. With an underhook secured, use your free hand to grasp your opponent’s knee on the same side. This takedown involves simultaneously pulling the knee towards you while pushing the opponent away with the underhook. The combination of these opposing forces creates significant imbalance, leading to an effective takedown. Rather than relying solely on the initial push, it's beneficial to continue applying pressure and making multiple steps to trap the knee, thereby limiting the opponent’s ability to defend. The knee pick is less about brute strength and more about seizing the right moment when the opponent’s weight is on the targeted leg.

The snap down is a powerful technique to use when you have secured an underhook and want to quickly bring your opponent to the mat. To execute it, control the back of your opponent’s head or neck with one hand while maintaining the underhook with the other. Apply a strong downward motion to disrupt their posture and balance, making it easier to move behind them or drive them forward onto the mat. The snap down is particularly effective for setting up back takes or transitioning into dominant grappling positions, as it significantly limits the opponent’s ability to defend. For added effectiveness, consider using the cow catcher once you have control of the opponent’s head, as it is a high-percentage technique that is accessible to practitioners of all levels.

Effectively integrating underhook takedowns into your strategy requires dedicated practice and a thorough understanding of the underlying mechanics. Consistent training helps build the muscle memory and timing needed to execute these techniques effectively in competition. It's also crucial to practice these moves with varying levels of resistance to adapt to different opponent reactions.

As with any technique, invest time in studying its details over an extended period. This approach will help you recognize the technique's applications and troubleshoot potential scenarios that may arise during sparring or competition.

Effective training for underhook takedowns involves targeted drills that improve your ability to secure the underhook and transition into takedowns seamlessly. Partner drills are particularly useful, where one person focuses on securing and maintaining the underhook while the other offers realistic resistance. Additionally, incorporating situation-specific sparring sessions that begin with one competitor already in an underhook position can help practitioners learn how to make the most of this advantageous stance.

The underhook is a key tool in any grappler's game. Whether you're competing in BJJ, wrestling, or MMA, mastering takedowns like the high crotch, knee pick, and snap down from the underhook position can give you a big edge. These techniques help you control the match and step up your overall skills. As you keep training and improving these moves, you’ll see the underhook become a core part of your fighting strategy.