Establishing Twister Side Control
The instructor begins from a dominant side control position and transitions to Twister side control by maintaining pressure and control of the opponent's arm and head. This position is achieved by keeping the opponent compressed and preventing them from creating space to escape.
Exploiting the Opponent's Turn-In
When the opponent turns into the controlling grappler to defend, they inadvertently provide the setup for the Twister submission. The instructor hooks the opponent's inside ankle with the outside foot and opens their hips to create the necessary positioning.
Securing the Leg Configuration
The top grappler places their other leg behind their knee while checking the opponent's knee, establishing the foundation for what is known as the truck position. This leg arrangement locks the opponent's lower body and prevents hip escape.
Executing the Quick Twister Roll
Rather than using the slower fishnet setup, the instructor demonstrates a faster rolling method by grabbing the opponent's toes and rolling across the left shoulder while extending the legs. This rapid transition minimizes the opponent's opportunity to reverse the position.
Achieving Truck Position
After the roll, the grappler achieves the truck position, which serves as a base for various leg lock attacks. From this position, multiple submission options including calf cranks and ankle locks become available.
Controlling the Arm
The instructor captures the opponent's hanging arm and transitions to baseball bat control, positioning the captured arm across the opponent's body. This arm control is critical for setting up the spinal lock component of the Twister.
Positioning for the Spinal Lock
The top grappler swings their arm underneath the opponent's head to establish an underhook while maintaining the baseball bat arm position. The combination of leg and arm control creates the mechanical structure of the Twister submission.
Applying Pressure and Securing Position
If the opponent resists by keeping their head on the mat, the instructor rocks the opponent's body to create the necessary space to place the underhook properly. Maintaining control and pressure throughout this phase prevents escape or reversal.
Finishing the Twister Submission
The final pull applies pressure simultaneously to the spine and legs, creating the Twister submission. For opponents with exceptional flexibility who resist tapping, the instructor notes that transitioning to a rear naked choke with additional cranking pressure may be necessary.
Comparison of Twister Approaches
The instructor notes that while the fishnet method provides more security against reversal, the direct roll technique shown here is faster and more efficient for practitioners with solid technique. Speed and timing are emphasized as key factors in the success of this variation.
The Twister: From Twister Side Control (v2.0 redux)
Key Takeaways
- •Establishing Twister Side Control
- •Exploiting the Opponent's Turn-In
- •Securing the Leg Configuration
- •Executing the Quick Twister Roll
If you do this version with out first fish netting the let's, you should be quick in your application because a good twister master can reverse a twister on you.
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about twister side control?
This video covers establishing twister side control, exploiting the opponent's turn-in, securing the leg configuration. It provides detailed instruction from Submissions101.
How long does it take to learn twister side control?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing twister side control?
The final pull applies pressure simultaneously to the spine and legs, creating the Twister submission. For opponents with exceptional flexibility who resist tapping, the instructor notes that transitioning to a rear naked choke with additional cranking pressure may be necessary.




