But in some cases, allowing space can be helpful. Especially if it’s planned.
When rolling or competing in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu it’s not uncommon to find yourself in a tight side control with an opponent who has decided to just ball up.
While this person isn’t threatening an escape. It can be tough to submit them. If they’re not moving or making any adjustments. It’s hard to find the opening at times.
This is where the idea of allowing, just a little bit, of space comes in.
There are a handful of really common escapes or ideas on escapes from side control in Bjj. One of which is getting the underhook and coming out to the side. In fact, this is one of my favorite options for escaping.
One thing that we can do in order to take advantage of these common responses is to allow space in the exact area that is needed to execute the escape.
This will encourage your opponent to go for the escape and if you have a counter to it, you’re walking them into a trap.
When they move to use their side control escape you then counter and use the movement created from the transition to catch them.