Settling into Mount Position
The instructor emphasizes the importance of relaxing and taking time to establish a dominant mount. Rather than rushing, the practitioner should cup the opponent's head and use chest pressure while maintaining connection. This controlled approach creates more effective pressure than aggressive movement.
Arching the Back and Maintaining Hooks
Arching the back while maintaining upper body connection allows the top player to stay secure even as the opponent moves. The instructor demonstrates keeping hooked connections while playing positional adjustments, turning side to side as needed. This posture prevents the opponent from creating space for escape attempts.
Monitoring Kipping and Knee-Elbow Escapes
The top player must monitor both the kipping escape and the knee-elbow escape, where the opponent attempts to dip their foot to scoop the ankle. Foot hiding—positioning the foot to prevent the opponent's escape—requires constant attention alongside upper body control. Balancing these defensive concerns prevents the opponent from creating advantageous positions.
Controlling the Open Side with Cross Face
When the opponent turns toward the open side (the side without the top player's head control), the top player must immediately close that escape angle. A simple cross face—pressing the opponent's jaw in the opposite direction—forces them away from their preferred escape route. This prevents the opponent from establishing the leg position needed for successful escape.
Reverse Cross Face Technique
An alternative control method is the reverse cross face, where the top player applies pressure from the opposite side as they drop into position. This prevents the opponent from turning and extending their leg to the mat for escape. The technique maintains constant pressure without allowing favorable repositioning.
Preventing Side Control Transitions
When the opponent begins to turn and extend their leg straight on the mat, they are positioning for escape. The top player can use an aggressive cross face with the forearm pressed against the face, then jump down while catching the position. This shoulder control prevents the opponent from completing the transition regardless of which direction they attempt.
Triangle Setup and Technical Mount Transitions
If the opponent defends by inserting their elbow, the top player can swing up into a different angle. Threatening a triangle while the opponent has their elbow inserted creates positional advantages. When the opponent turns to their side, moving to technical mount allows the top player to lock the position with crossed ankles underneath.
Maintaining Flat Pressure and Controlling Positioning
Rather than automatically transitioning to technical mount when the opponent rolls to their side, the top player can keep them flat by moving with their body and closing off space. Maintaining this heavy, flat pressure wears the opponent down more effectively than inviting escapes. Technical mount and back takes should only be pursued strategically, not as an automatic response.
Strategic Use of Cross Face Methods
The instructor summarizes three primary cross face control methods: a simple jaw turn, an aggressive elbow-based version with shoulder drop, and a reverse position for flexibility. Each method addresses the opponent's directional preference and forces them to choose disadvantageous escape routes. Consistent pressure using these techniques exhausts the opponent's physical resources over time.
Mount CONTROL Tips!
Key Takeaways
- •Settling into Mount Position
- •Arching the Back and Maintaining Hooks
- •Monitoring Kipping and Knee-Elbow Escapes
- •Controlling the Open Side with Cross Face
This video I'm helping a couple of my guys with controlling from the mount position and I show 3 ways to crossface your opponent to stop their escape. Check out the details and you are sure to find something useful! Enjoy! If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please comment below. More videos to come! Please like, share, and subscribe!! PLEASE Click this link to SUPPORT the TeachMeGrappling Channel!!! https://www.patreon.com/TeachMeGrappling or https://www.paypal.me/CoachBrianPeterson To purchase TMG or PG Merchandise go to... https://www.petersongrapplers.com/shop Your contribution is much appreciated and will help me continue to bring you content! 🙏 www.NextLevelGuy.com The NextLevelGuy Podcast with Coach Brian Peterson has been released!! Check it out!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about mount?
This video covers settling into mount position, arching the back and maintaining hooks, monitoring kipping and knee-elbow escapes. It provides detailed instruction from TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian.
How long does it take to learn mount?
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.
What are the key details for finishing mount?
Rather than automatically transitioning to technical mount when the opponent rolls to their side, the top player can keep them flat by moving with their body and closing off space. Maintaining this heavy, flat pressure wears the opponent down more effectively than inviting escapes. Technical mount and back takes should only be pursued strategically, not as an automatic response.
