Taking the Back

So, in practice this week and last my coach, Gustavo Dantas, has really been breaking down taking the back. While in practice he showed us this Marcelo Garcia highlight, wisely so because I mean who better to show the position than “The Human Backpack” himself. While breaking apart this position Gustavo pointed out a few of the details that Marcelo seems to do better than most. Among these was the fact that when his opponent is scooting his butt out to escape, Garcia pulls them to the opposite side and scoots his own butt out to compensate, as seen at 4:10. Also, if you watch at multiple points in the video, you will notice that Garcia does not always worry about getting his second hook. Lots of times as he is rolling to take the back he will attack the neck while his opponent is worried about the second hook coming in, catching them off guard. These details, combined with his over-under grip and years of practice, are what make him not only good, but the best at taking the back. I hope you enjoy the video and find these tips helpful!!