The overhook might seem like a simple grip, but it is a game-changer in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and grappling sports. Whether you’re defending, countering, or attacking, the overhook can significantly enhance your control and open up a variety of submission and takedown opportunities. Let’s break down how you can use this versatile grip from different positions to stay one step ahead of your opponent.
Why Master the Overhook?
The overhook is a key tool that gives you control over your opponent’s upper body. By using the overhook, you limit their mobility and create the perfect setup for takedowns, submissions, or controlling their posture. It’s an essential grip for any grappler, as it allows you to dictate the pace of the match, whether you’re on your feet or on the ground. Mastering the overhook gives you more offensive and defensive options, making it an indispensable part of your arsenal.
Using the Overhook While Standing
- Setting Up Takedowns and Throws
When you’re on your feet, the overhook helps you gain control of your opponent’s posture and movement. With this grip, you can set up powerful throws such as the uchi mata or sumi gaeshi. To execute these techniques, step close to your opponent, pivot to build momentum, and use the overhook to pull them off-balance. - Transitioning to a Dominant Position
Besides throws, the overhook is great for improving your position. It allows you to guide your opponent’s movement, putting you in a more dominant clinch or setup for other techniques. For example, from a standing overhook, you can transition into a double overhook position, where you can maintain control and look for more opportunities.
Countering the Underhook with the Overhook
- Shutting Down the Underhook
The underhook is one of the most commonly used techniques for gaining leverage in grappling. Fortunately, the overhook can neutralize it effectively. When your opponent tries to sink in an underhook, simply apply the overhook on the same side. This creates downward pressure, disrupting their base and reducing their ability to use the underhook for attacks. - Advancing to a Front Headlock
Another useful transition from the overhook is moving into a front headlock position. If your opponent drives forward while using an underhook, snap their head down into a front headlock. This destabilizes their posture, creating opportunities for submission chokes or a takedown.
Applying the Overhook from Guard
- Securing Control in Closed Guard
The overhook is an excellent tool for controlling your opponent from closed guard. When you lock an overhook on one arm, you can use your other hand to control their posture, making it difficult for them to stand up or resist submissions. With the overhook secured, you can attack with triangles, armbars, or omoplatas, using your legs and hips to create submission angles. - Sweeping Your Opponent with the Overhook
In addition to submissions, the overhook can help you execute sweeps from guard. A great example is the scissor sweep. With the overhook in place, perform a shrimping motion to the side, then use your legs to sweep your opponent by crossing them like scissors. This basic yet highly effective sweep will leave your opponent scrambling on the ground. - Moving to Butterfly Guard
The overhook can also aid in transitioning to butterfly guard. When you’re in half guard or closed guard, use the overhook to lift your opponent’s upper body while inserting butterfly hooks (your feet inside their thighs). This will destabilize them and create opportunities for more sweeps or submissions, all while keeping control of their posture.
Incorporating the Overhook Into Your Style
To make the most of the overhook, it’s important to practice it in different situations. Whether you’re sparring or drilling, work on integrating the overhook into your natural movements. As you practice, you’ll start to see how this grip can transition seamlessly into various techniques, allowing you to build combinations and flows. For instance, from an overhook in guard, you can smoothly transition into a triangle choke, or you can sweep your opponent and follow up with a submission.
Consistent practice with different training partners is key to understanding how the overhook works against different body types and skill levels. It’s also helpful to ask your coach for feedback on your technique, so you can refine your timing, precision, and overall strategy.
Final Word
The overhook is a simple yet powerful technique that offers a world of possibilities in grappling. Whether you’re countering an underhook, defending from guard, or setting up throws, mastering the overhook will give you better control and more opportunities to dominate your opponent. With regular practice and live sparring, you’ll be able to integrate this grip into your game, making you a more unpredictable and effective grappler.
