Single Hook Back Control
By BURTON RICHARDSON
When at the back, you need to control the opponent’s upper body with your arms while controlling his lower body with your legs. Usually, you put both feet inside the opponent’s thighs (hooks) to keep him from escaping. But a good opponent will protect by pulling his knee to his chest, and you may only get one hook in. This is when you use the single hook back control.
With your bottom hook in, throw your top leg over his thigh, cross your ankles, and push your hip in. This locks down his top leg while trapping his hips. This inhibits his ability to slide our and escape from the position. You have time to work for the choke without having both hooks in.