Master THIS Duck Under Takedown to Score More In BJJ
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Standard Duck Under Back Take·Brandon Reed BJJ
Learn one of my favorite Duck Under Takedowns for Wrestling that translates extremely well to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & ALL …
Standard Duck Under Back Take
Genusダックアンダー・バックテイク(Dakku Andā Bakku Teiku)
TransliterationTranslation: standard duck under back take
Overview
The Standard Duck Under Back Take executes the fundamental duck under to rear position where the attacker, from a collar tie or clinch, pushes the opponent's arm upward, ducks the head and body underneath the raised arm, and continues circling behind the opponent to secure a rear body lock. [1] The push-then-duck creates the space needed to pass under the arm, and the circular motion behind the opponent completes the back take. [1],[2] Once behind, the attacker locks the hands around the waist for a rear body lock and can proceed with any rear takedown — mat return, rear lift, or trip. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
The standard duck under back take is the baseline version of this technique taught in wrestling. [1]
Competition Record
Commonly used in NCAA and freestyle 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
Variants
Front body lock — securing the lock face-to-face and driving laterally or backward
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
Videos
Learning the "DUCK Under" Takedown
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Standard Duck Under Back Take·TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian
This video I breakdown another duck under. Sometimes I teach it differently so there is always new details that aren't …
Keys To The Duck Under Takedown by John Smith
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Standard Duck Under Back Take·FANATIC WRESTLING
Keys To The Duck Under Takedown by John Smith https://fanaticwrestling.com/ This wrestling training video teaches the K…
How to Take Down Your Opponent with the Duck Under
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Standard Duck Under Back Take·NY Martial Arts Academy
https://www.nymaa.com/ Adult program https://bit.ly/2G4cMJ2 Kids program https://bit.ly/2X3B64G Private lessons https:/…
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4 videosWhat Instructors Say
The standard duck under back take is a fundamental upper-body takedown executed from a collar tie or similar control, emphasizing neck pressure and timing to transition an opponent to their back. All four instructors agree on core mechanical principles: establishing a strong collar tie as the primary control point, creating minimal space to duck underneath an opponent's posted arm, and changing levels rather than lifting the arm high. NY Martial Arts Academy and FANATIC WRESTLING (John Smith) both stress the monkey grip on the tricep as a critical secondary control that facilitates the pull-down motion. The technique involves an inside step followed by an outside step—entering at an angle that prevents throws—with the head kept high and the back straight to avoid being trapped. FANATIC WRESTLING emphasizes penetrating with shoulder rotation while maintaining the monkey grip pull straight downward, noting that proper elbow control allows the duck under to function as a setup for combinations like double-leg transitions. TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian stresses maintaining weight on the opponent by staying on active feet rather than dropping to the knees immediately, allowing for side control transitions if the opponent rolls. Brandon Reed Wrestle-Jitsu Online introduces tactical variation, noting that duck unders function differently depending on opponent response—distinguishing between opponents who sprawl versus those who don't—and emphasizing that feinting to a leg attack often triggers the sprawl that creates ideal duck under positioning. Once behind or beside the opponent, instructors demonstrate two finishing options: either pulling the opponent directly to the mat using body weight and spiral momentum (NY Martial Arts Academy), or using a claw grip (high crotch lift) to explosively elevate then drive the opponent down (NY Martial Arts Academy, TeachMeGrappling).
Synthesized from 4 instructors
- NY Martial Arts Academy — How to Take Down Your Opponent with the Duck Under: Detailed the collar tie and monkey grip setup, demonstrated both finishing methods (spiral to mat and claw lift), emphasized one continuous motion with body weight and momentum, and stressed maintaining a strong neck position throughout execution.
- FANATIC WRESTLING — Keys To The Duck Under Takedown by John Smith: Provided wrestling-centric instruction on elbow control as entry, emphasized shoulder rotation during penetration with the monkey grip pulling straight down, explained the duck under as a setup for double-leg transitions, and detailed how proper grip secures opponent control for mat takedown.
- Brandon Reed Wrestle-Jitsu Online — Master THIS Duck Under Takedown to Score More In BJJ: Introduced tactical variation based on opponent response patterns, explained how feinting a single-leg creates sprawl opportunities that optimize duck under execution, and emphasized adapting technique based on mid-match adjustments and opponent reactions.
- TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian — Learning the "DUCK Under" Takedown: Emphasized angle and rotation mechanics for different stances (right vs. left hander), stressed staying on active feet to maintain weight and control post-takedown positioning, detailed multiple control options (collar tie, elbow control, underhook), and explained the importance of preventing throw counters through proper foot placement.
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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
✓From a collar tie or clinch, push the opponent's near arm upward with your posting hand
✓Drop your level and duck your head under the raised arm, stepping through to the opposite side
✓As you come through, wrap your near arm around their waist and immediately close the body lock
✓Circle your feet behind them rapidly to achieve full back position
✓Lock the seatbelt grip (one arm over the shoulder, one under the armpit) and secure your chest to their back
✓From here, execute a mat return, rear lift, or drag them backward to the mat
✓Drill the push-duck-wrap-circle as one continuous four-beat sequence
Common Mistakes
!Not pushing the arm high enough before ducking, getting your head trapped under their armpit
!Ducking without changing level — your head needs to go under the arm, not through it
!Stopping mid-duck beside the opponent instead of circling all the way behind
!Not wrapping the waist immediately, letting the opponent turn back to face you
!Feet stuck in place after the duck — constant foot movement is required
!Standing up too tall after the duck, losing the low position that gives you leverage for the takedown
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I start with the duck hunter or elbow control when learning the duck under?
John Smith recommends starting with the duck hunter first if you've never worked elbow controls, as it's easier to understand the pulling mechanics without attacking the legs or going to the mat right away.
Where should I wrap my hands when I get the duck under and go to take my opponent down?
John Smith emphasizes wrapping right below the butt is the sweet spot—if you can lock your hands there and control the legs together, you control your opponent and can take them to the mat effectively.
What should I do if my opponent tries to stand back up after I've taken them down?
Coach Brian advises staying on your toes, keeping hanging on, and pulling your opponent down again—being heavy and maintaining control is critical if they attempt to pop back up like a tripod.
How deep should I step when executing the duck under to avoid gaps?
Coach Brian stresses stepping deep and staying close to your opponent; if you're too far away, they can escape through the gap you create.
How does the Standard Duck Under Back Take work?
The Standard Duck Under Back Take executes the fundamental duck under to rear position where the attacker, from a collar tie or clinch, pushes the opponent's arm upward, ducks the head and body underneath the raised arm, and continues circling behind the opponent to secure a rear body lock. The push-then-duck creates the space needed to pass under the arm, and the circular motion behind the opponent completes the back take.
Where does the Standard Duck Under Back Take come from?
The standard duck under to back take is one of the first intermediate-level wrestling techniques taught, serving as a gateway to understanding angle creation and positional advantage. The technique has been fundamental to wrestling instruction for generations.
Is the Standard Duck Under 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 Standard Duck Under Back Take?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — duck under to rear; minimal impact, position-based
How do I set up the Standard Duck Under Back Take?
The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.
How do I defend against the Standard Duck Under 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 Standard Duck Under 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 Standard Duck Under Back Take in competition?
Commonly used in NCAA and freestyle competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Duck Under Back Take?
Top errors to watch for: Not pushing the arm high enough before ducking, getting your head trapped under their armpit / Ducking without changing level — your head needs to go under the arm, not through it / Stopping mid-duck beside the opponent instead of circling all the way behind / Not wrapping the waist immediately, letting the opponent turn back to face you.
What are other names for the Standard Duck Under Back Take?
The Standard Duck Under Back Take is also known as Dakku Andā Bakku Teiku, Standard Duck-Under to Back, Duck-Through Back Take, Go-Behind from Duck.