The Slickest Way to Take the Back Fast in BJJ (Duck Under Technique)
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Duck Under To Back Take·Brandon Reed BJJ
Today's video is going to show a sneak peek of the Duck Unders in my newest Instructional "Duck Unders: The Slickest Way…
Duck Under To Back Take
SubFamilyダックアンダー・バックテイク(Dakku Andā Bakku Teiku)
TransliterationTranslation: duck under to back take (katakana)
Overview
The Duck Under To Back Take subfamily specifically uses the duck under to achieve a rear body position, from which the attacker can complete a body lock takedown, mat return, or rear lift. [1] After ducking under the opponent's arm, the attacker continues the motion behind the opponent, securing a rear body lock or rear clinch position. [1],[2] The back take is the most advantageous outcome of a successful duck under because it gives the attacker access to the full suite of rear takedowns while the opponent has minimal defensive options. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
This is the standard duck under completion taught in wrestling programmes. [1]
Competition Record
The duck under to back take is a common scoring sequence in wrestling competition. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Chest-to-chest connection with locked hands — body lock controls the opponent's torso as a single unit
Joints Involved — Attacker's hips (lifting or driving), opponent's spine (compressed within the lock), shoulders (restricted)
Force Vector — Varies — front body lock uses lateral or backward arching force; rear body lock uses lift and rotation
Takedown Mechanic — Controlling the torso eliminates independent limb posting — opponent cannot base out effectively
Position & Entry
From back clinch (standing) — Secure rear body lock from behind, lift or trip to bring the opponent to the mat
From arm drag to back — Use arm drag to get behind the opponent, lock the body lock and execute the mat return
Videos
1 video
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Duck under to rear; minimal impact, position-based
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IJF — Legal takedown technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— 2 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— UWW — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— Unified MMA — Legal takedown technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — all takedowns permitted
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF— 2 points
NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDFTraining Notes
✓After ducking under the arm, continue circling behind the opponent without stopping
✓Your inside arm reaches around their waist to establish a body lock from behind
✓Move your feet rapidly around to their back — the hands anchor, the feet do the work
✓Once behind them, lock a body lock and choose your finish: mat return, lift, or trip
✓Keep your head behind their shoulder blade to prevent them turning into you
✓Practice the duck-under-to-seatbelt as one fluid motion, not two separate moves
Common Mistakes
!Stopping at the side instead of continuing all the way to the back
!Not reaching around the waist immediately after ducking through, so the opponent turns
!Feet stationary after the duck — you must keep moving to get fully behind them
!Head position in front of their shoulder, allowing them to turn and face you
!Losing the seatbelt or body lock grip because you didn't close it quickly enough
!Trying to take the back from too far away after the duck, ending up reaching without control
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attemptUnderhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entryPost and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angleLevel Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence
Setup Chain
1Establish Contact — use grip, tie, or clinch to control the opponent
2Create Off-Balance — use push-pull action to disrupt the opponent's base
3Execute the Takedown — apply the specific takedown mechanic with commitment
4Follow to Ground — maintain control as the opponent goes down to secure position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese amateur wrestling terminology
Standard katakana transliteration used in Japanese wrestling (レスリング)
Community
Athletics
Requires
upper body squeeze strength, lifting power, hip drive
Favours
thick chest and arms for tight lock, strong lower back for lifts
Key muscles
pectorals, biceps, erector spinae, glutes
Sub-techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use a V block when setting up the duck under?
Brandon Reed emphasizes that the V block allows you to keep your hand on your opponent as they move, so if they shoot a takedown attempt, you're already connected and can defend.
How do I escape if my opponent grabs my arm during the duck under?
Rather than trying to pull your arm out against a strong grip, slap your own buttock to create space—this sudden movement breaks their grip and allows you to free your arm.
What's the ideal distance when controlling the head during a duck under?
Brandon Reed notes you need some space between you and your opponent's head; being too crowded kills your positioning and limits your ability to execute the technique properly.
How does the Duck Under To Back Take work?
The Duck Under To Back Take subfamily specifically uses the duck under to achieve a rear body position, from which the attacker can complete a body lock takedown, mat return, or rear lift. After ducking under the opponent's arm, the attacker continues the motion behind the opponent, securing a rear body lock or rear clinch position.
Where does the Duck Under To Back Take come from?
The duck under to back take has been a core wrestling chain for generations, representing one of the most common pathways from neutral position to rear body control. The technique is equally effective in gi and no-gi grappling contexts.
Is the Duck Under To Back Take legal in competition?
IJF: legal — Legal takedown technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: legal — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman; Unified MMA: legal — Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal — Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)
How dangerous is the Duck Under To Back Take?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — duck under to rear; minimal impact, position-based
How do I set up the Duck Under To Back Take?
The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.
How do I defend against the Duck Under To Back Take?
Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Underhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entry / Post and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angle / Level Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence.
What are the variants of the Duck Under To Back Take?
Common variants: Front body lock (securing the lock face-to-face and driving laterally or b…); Rear body lock (securing from behind for mat returns or lifts); Side body lock (angled body lock for trips and throws); Body lock to trip (combining the lock with a foot trip for the finish).
How effective is the Duck Under To Back Take in competition?
The duck under to back take is a common scoring sequence in wrestling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Duck Under To Back Take?
Top errors to watch for: Stopping at the side instead of continuing all the way to the back / Not reaching around the waist immediately after ducking through, so the opponent turns / Feet stationary after the duck — you must keep moving to get fully behind them / Head position in front of their shoulder, allowing them to turn and face you.
What are other names for the Duck Under To Back Take?
The Duck Under To Back Take is also known as Dakku Andā Bakku Teiku, Duck Under Back Take, Duck-To-Back, Dip Under to Rear.