Back Pack – Back Control

Back Pack is a creative and effective way to teach children the concept of Back Control in jujitsu and other grappling arts. By comparing the position to a “back pack,” children can easily understand how to securely hold onto their opponent from the back, much like how a backpack is worn snugly on someone’s back. This analogy helps children visualise and maintain a strong back control, which is a dominant position that allows for numerous submission opportunities while keeping the opponent controlled and off-balance. Here’s how to explain and perform the “Back Pack” for back control:

Step-by-Step Description:

1. Establishing the Back Control:
• Take the Back: Begin by moving to your opponent’s back. This can happen from various transitions, such as when your opponent turns away or you execute a successful guard pass. Once you’re behind them, aim to secure your position by placing your chest against their back.
• Seat Belt Grip: To reinforce control, use a seat belt grip. This means one arm goes over their shoulder (across their chest) and the other arm goes under their opposite armpit, meeting and locking together in front of their chest. This grip helps keep you attached to your opponent.
2. Positioning Your Legs:
• Hooks In: To further secure the position, “hook” your legs around your opponent’s waist or thighs by inserting your feet inside their thighs. This is a key aspect of the “Back Pack” position, as it mimics how a backpack’s straps wrap around a person’s body, holding it securely in place.
• Close the Space: Keep your knees tight against their body, ensuring there’s no space for them to escape. Your legs should be snug, holding onto your opponent firmly, just like how a backpack stays close to the body.
3. Maintaining the Back Pack Position:
• Stay Tight and Close: Emphasise to the children that, just like a backpack stays close to someone’s back, they should stay tight to their opponent, not allowing any space. This closeness makes it harder for the opponent to escape and gives the child more control.
• Adjusting Grip: If the opponent tries to shake you off, maintain your grip and adjust your position by keeping your chest pressed against their back and your hooks strong. The concept is to “stick” to them, just like a backpack.
4. Control and Stability:
• Move with Your Opponent: As the opponent tries to move or escape, encourage the children to move with them, staying attached just like a backpack stays with the wearer. This involves using their hips, legs, and arms to stay balanced and in control.
• Staying Calm: Teach the children to remain calm and patient in the back pack position, focusing on maintaining their hold rather than rushing for a submission. Control is the priority, and from this position, they can work towards various submission techniques like rear-naked chokes.
5. Submission Opportunities:
• Rear-Naked Choke: Once the child feels confident in their back pack position, they can be introduced to submission techniques like the rear-naked choke. From the back pack, they can slide one arm under the opponent’s chin while the other hand locks behind their head, securing the choke.
• Armbar or Transition: Alternatively, they can be taught to transition to other positions or submissions depending on the opponent’s movements, all while maintaining the concept of staying close like a backpack.

Key Points for Back Pack – Back Control:

• Visualise the position as a backpack, staying close and snug to the opponent’s back.
• Use hooks with your legs to secure control, just like a backpack’s straps.
• Maintain a tight grip with the seat belt hold to prevent escape.
• Stay close and move with your opponent to keep control and stability.
• Focus on control first, with submission opportunities coming naturally from a secure back pack position.

The Back Pack analogy is a simple and effective way to teach children the fundamentals of back control in a fun and memorable manner. By thinking of themselves as a backpack, they can easily grasp the importance of staying close, secure, and in control, setting the foundation for advanced techniques and submissions.