Why Mastering Side Control Escapes is Crucial for Grapplers
Side control, also known as cross-body position, is one of the most dominant positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), MMA, and submission grappling. When an opponent secures side control, they can transition to devastating attacks like armbars, kimuras, or mount. For fighters in MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, or Kickboxing who incorporate grappling, escaping quickly is essential to avoid spending energy defending and to return to a safer guard position or stand up.
Christopher Costa, a seasoned BJJ instructor, shares two leg hook escapes that emphasize leverage, timing, and minimal strength. These techniques work against heavier opponents and integrate well into no-gi and gi scenarios. Practice them in your next rolling session at Apollo MMA-equipped gyms to build confidence on the bottom.
Technique 1: Leg Hook Escape (Hook 1)
This first escape focuses on inserting a deep leg hook to off-balance the opponent and shrimp out to recover guard. It's ideal for beginners and advanced grapplers alike, applicable in BJJ tournaments, MMA rounds, or Wrestling scrambles.
Step 1: Establish Your Base on the Bottom
Start by framing against your opponent's hips and neck to create space. Your bottom arm should hug their head tightly while your top arm pushes their far hip away. Keep your elbows in to protect against arm attacks. Breathe steadily—panic wastes energy.Step 2: Insert the Deep Leg Hook
As you frame, swing your outside leg (the one away from their body) high and deep under their hips. The hook should grip their inner thigh or hamstring area firmly. Drive your knee toward the mat to lift their hips slightly. This disrupts their base and prevents them from flattening you out.Step 3: Bridge and Shrimp
Explode with a strong bridge (hips up) while pulling their arm across your body with your framing hand. Simultaneously, shrimp your hips away on the opposite side. Your hooked leg acts as a lever, forcing them to post or roll.Step 4: Regain Guard or Knees
Slide your knee inside to establish half guard or full guard. If in MMA sparring, use the momentum to stand or sweep. Common mistake: shallow hook—make it deep for maximum control.Pro Tip: Drill this 10x per side daily. Pair it with a quality BJJ rash guard from brands like Hayabusa or Venum (available at Apollo MMA) to stay comfortable during sweaty sessions.
Technique 2: Leg Hook Escape (Hook 2)
The second variation uses an inside leg hook for opponents who block the outside one. It's more dynamic, perfect for no-gi MMA where grips are limited, and sets up sweeps or back takes.
Step 1: Block the Crossface and Frame
Prevent the crossface by blocking their underhook with your near arm. Post your other hand on their bicep or shoulder. Stay on your side to avoid being flattened—think Wrestling bridge position.Step 2: Enter the Inside Leg Hook
Trap their far leg with your near leg by hooking inside their thigh from the bottom. Your foot should point toward their knee, creating an 'S' shape. Push with your framing hand to open space while the hook lifts their balance.Step 3: Hip Escape with Rotation
Shrimp explosively while rotating your hips toward their head side. Use the hook to pull their leg across, forcing them to base out or lose posture. Your top leg now blocks their knee line.Step 4: Secure the Guard or Transition
Thread your knee through for butterfly guard or push to knees for a scramble. In Kickboxing or Muay Thai clinch work, this escape prevents takedowns from turning into ground-and-pound.Pro Tip: Combine with elbow escape drills. Wear durable grappling shorts from Scramble or Tatami to ensure hooks slide in smoothly without bunching.
Common Errors and Troubleshooting
- Flattening Out: Always stay on your side; flat backs are easy to control.
- Weak Hooks: Drill hook insertion speed—use resistance partners.
- No Space Creation: Frames first, then hooks.
- Over-Reliance on Strength: These are technique-based; work for all sizes.
Integrating into Your Training Routine
Warm up with 5 minutes of side control retention drills, then 10 reps each escape. Finish with positional sparring: start in side control, escape 3x before switching. Track progress in a journal.
These escapes complement other bottom game tools like the elbow escape or upa. For Wrestling enthusiasts, adapt by exploding to gut wrench. BJJ black belts can chain to berimbolo or leg entanglements.
Gear up properly: A supportive mouthguard from Shock Doctor and fingerless gloves from Rival enhance safety during drills. Shop Apollo MMA for all your needs.
Advanced Variations for Competition
In gi, grip their sleeve for extra control during the shrimp. No-gi? Use head and arm control. Against southpaws or orthodox stances in MMA, mirror the steps.
Christopher Costa's methods shine in high-pressure matches—focus on details for real-world results.
Elevate your game with consistent practice. Check out Apollo MMA's collection of BJJ gear, from gis by Fuji to rash guards by Hyperfly, to train like a pro.
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