What comes next from side control with crossface
The top player has side control with a crossface (a shoulder pushing the face away) and controls the near elbow. The bottom player is flat, and the top player is clearly winning. The bottom player wants to block the crossface and turn onto their side.
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Learn the position itself: Side Control in the library ›
If you are the top player
Good Works well with the right setup.
- Mount
With the crossface, they cannot turn to see your knee. Step it over their belly for mount and 4 points.
Leads to mount › - Knee on belly
Come up and put your knee across their belly. Knee on belly scores 2 points.
Leads to knee on belly › - Hold the crossface
This is your strongest pin. Breathe while they work hard under you.
You stay in this position.
Risky Can work, but often goes wrong.
- Arm triangle
The crossface already pushes their arm across their neck. Move to the other side and squeeze their head and arm together.
Ends the match if it works: a submission. - Kimura on the far arm
Step over their head and lock a figure four grip (kimura) on the far arm. If it fails, you are back in normal side control.
Ends the match if it works: a submission.
If you are the bottom player
Best The choice that works most often here.
- Block the crossface: hand to the bicep, chin to their hip
Put your hand on their arm and turn your chin toward their hip. Once the crossface is blocked, you can build your frames again.
Leads to side control ›
Good Works well with the right setup.
- Bridge and shrimp to half guard
Bridge, move your hips out and hook their near leg with your legs. It is not perfect, but you are back in half guard.
Leads to half guard, smashed › - Release the near hand, turn in
Pull your pinned hand free, turn toward them and get an underhook. Now you are on your side and can come up.
Leads to side control, turned in › - Survive: elbows in, chin down
Keep your elbows in and your chin down. Protect your neck and arms, and wait for them to move.
You stay in this position.
Mistake Avoid this: it usually makes things worse.
- Hug their neck and pull
Pulling them closer puts more of their weight on your chest. It also helps them move to mount.
Usually goes wrong. Choose a better option above.
Train it on the Path
The language of control unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.
The Path goes in order: start free from lesson one and you reach The language of control on the way. With Rolla Plus you can jump straight here.