Introduction to the No-Gi Baseball Choke

The baseball choke is one of the most effective submissions in no-gi grappling, offering simplicity and reliability. This technique requires only proper hand positioning and elbow control to execute successfully.

Basic Hand Positioning and Grip

The practitioner establishes the choke by placing one hand under the opponent's head and closing into a shovel grip, maintaining a neutral wrist position. Head control is secured using the shoulder while positioning the choking arm for optimal pressure application.

Elbow Alignment and Positioning

The critical element is tucking the attacking elbow to meet the opponent's elbow underneath their head. The practitioner must step out of mount position and drive the elbow toward the floor rather than squeezing horizontally against the ribcage.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

A frequent error is maintaining elbow pressure on the ribcage while squeezing, which fails to generate sufficient compression regardless of applied force. Proper technique requires sliding the elbow off the ribcage and shoulder before applying final pressure.

Positional Enhancement

Sitting out to the side of the hips and lifting the opponent's head slightly increases submission effectiveness and control. This adjustment creates additional leverage for completing the choke.

Indian Grip Alternative

When space limitations prevent a proper shovel grip, the practitioner can switch to an Indian grip for additional room to work. This variation offers the same submission mechanics with improved positioning flexibility.

Wrist Position and Forearm Orientation

The practitioner maintains hand verticality with the narrow side of the forearm positioned against the neck for maximum compression efficiency. Rotating the forearm to apply the broad side of the forearm requires significantly more pressure and should be avoided.

Defending Against Arm Blocks

When the opponent's right hand blocks the attacking elbow, the practitioner uses the inside knee to squeeze between the opponent's biceps and forearm, clearing the defensive arm. The left hand defense is naturally weaker and yields to pressure more readily.

Finishing the Submission

After clearing defensive resistance and achieving proper elbow positioning, the practitioner applies controlled pressure to compress the neck and complete the choke. This technique translates directly from gi to no-gi applications with only minor grip adjustments.

NoGi BaseBall Choke - No Gi Base Ball Bat Choke BJJ Grappling Submission Basics for MMA

Peter Mettler Martial Arts

Baseball Choke

2 min read·9 key moments·PT4M57S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to the No-Gi Baseball Choke
•Basic Hand Positioning and Grip
•Elbow Alignment and Positioning
•Avoiding Common Mistakes

No Gi needed - BaseBall Choke NoGi variation. All you need is a neck and your hands. Check it out, try it out, looking forward to your feedback. 🙂🙏💪❤🥋

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about baseball choke?

This video covers introduction to the no-gi baseball choke, basic hand positioning and grip, elbow alignment and positioning. It provides detailed instruction from Peter Mettler Martial Arts.

How long does it take to learn baseball choke?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.