Side Control Position Establishment

Side control is the dominant position achieved after a successful double leg takedown, with the top player positioned perpendicular to the opponent. To establish proper side control, the top player blocks the far hip with one arm while wrapping the other arm around the opponent's hip. This dual-hip control prevents the opponent from creating space or recovering their legs to the front.

Transition Preparation from Side Control

To advance from side control to mount position, the top player must maintain continuous control over the far side to prevent the opponent from escaping. The first step involves shifting hand placement from hip control to a grip that will facilitate the mount transition while preserving positional security.

Upper Body Control Switch

As the player transitions, they place their upper arm across the opponent's shoulder to maintain close contact and prevent hip escape. This arm positioning creates the necessary control to safely release the hip grip and reach toward the opponent's leg without allowing defensive space.

Leg Control and Hip Spacing

The player reaches to the top of the opponent's leg while maintaining the shoulder pressure, keeping open the space between the opponent's shoulder and knee. This spacing is essential for executing the leg pass and stepping into mount position, with the hand blocking the outside of the leg to prevent the opponent from closing their knee.

Base Switch Mechanics

Before stepping over, the player pivots their hips from a forward-facing position to a perpendicular orientation, allowing the bottom knee to pinch the opponent's hip. This base switch creates the necessary hip mobility and range of motion for the top player's leg to step over without restriction.

Stepping Over Execution

The player swings their leg over the opponent's body in a controlled arc, stepping onto the ground near the hip while blocking the opponent's leg with their hand. The stepping motion is deliberate and high, ensuring the leg passes in front of rather than between the opponent's legs to avoid being trapped in guard position.

Mount Position Establishment

Upon stepping over, the player pinches their knee tightly against the opponent's hip as their knee drops into mount position. The final position places the top player's knees on either side of the opponent's torso with the hips oriented perpendicular to the opponent, establishing full mount control.

Common Mistakes: Lack of Far-Side Control

Attempting to switch base without maintaining continuous far-side blocking allows the opponent to escape their hips and recover their legs to the front. This error undermines the entire transition and forces the top player to restart the advancement sequence.

Common Mistakes: Base Switch Timing

Stepping over without first switching the player's base significantly reduces leg mobility and range of motion. This mistake often results in the opponent trapping the stepping leg between their legs, establishing guard position instead of allowing the top player to achieve mount.

Common Mistakes: Leg Placement and Trapping Risk

Swinging the leg in a wide arc during the step-over creates an opportunity for the opponent to trap it between their legs. The correct approach requires stepping in front of and over the opponent's legs in a direct path to ensure successful mount establishment.

Side control to mount

Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne

Side Control

3 min read·10 key moments·PT5M42S video

Key Takeaways

•Side Control Position Establishment
•Transition Preparation from Side Control
•Upper Body Control Switch
•Leg Control and Hip Spacing

Full Course Playlist → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDrQXekZsfYZfV1QZ4T5UkxLwFwQ12EbP Find the Introduction course here → https://submeta.io/@lachlangiles/courses/introduction Once our opponent is on the ground we take up the task of progressing to more dominant positions. Positional dominance is increased when we put our opponent in ever more dangerous positions and move closer to submission. In this video, we show you how to go from side control to the mount. The mount is a dangerous position for the person underneath, they are in a vulnerable spot and one mistake can lead to almost instant submission. More from Lachlan https://www.submeta.io/@lachlangiles Subscribe to watch a huge range of courses all designed to plan, personalize and optimize your game. Follow SUBMETA https://www.instagram.com/submeta.io https://www.facebook.com/submeta.io

Related Techniques

Guard Pass Guard Top Guard Mount Back Position

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about side control?

This video covers side control position establishment, transition preparation from side control, upper body control switch. It provides detailed instruction from Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne.

How long does it take to learn 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.