Use the Overhook effectively with this guide
7 mins read

Use the Overhook effectively with this guide


The overhook is a fundamental hold in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that can be used for control, defense and offensive techniques in various positions. Understanding how to strategically use the overhook will improve your grappling skills while providing powerful options for controlling and setting up submissions. This guide explains how to use the hook effectively while standing, as a counter to the hook and from the guard position.

Importance of using Overhook and Underhook

The hook and hook are universal techniques in almost all grappling styles. They are considered among the most robust holds you can use to control even the largest opponent and are excellent entry points for other offensive techniques. The overhook itself is a solid counterpoint to the underhook, which also offers an exceptional variety of attack sequences to derive from. Below are some of our top tips.

Standing techniques with overhook

1) Setting up the shots

In a standing position, the overhook can be especially useful for setting up Judo or wrestling based throws. When you secure an overhook, you effectively control one side of your opponent’s upper body, limiting their ability to strike or apply their own throws. From here you can effectively perform throws such as uchi mata or sumi gaeshi. The key is to make sure you get close to your opponent, rotate your body to create momentum, and use the hook to drag them past your hips or center of gravity.

2) Transition towards stronger control

In addition to throws, the hook can be used to maneuver into better positions. From a standing hook, you can control the pace and placement of the clinch by guiding your opponent’s body. Use this opportunity to get into better positions like the double overhook as shown in this video.

Contrast the underhook with the overhook

1) Neutralize the hook

The overhook is an excellent tool for neutralizing an opponent’s underhook, which is a common and powerful tool in grappling to gain leverage. When an opponent sinks into an underhook, apply an overhook on the same side. This allows you to apply downward pressure, potentially unbalancing your opponent and limiting their ability to use the hook effectively. You can also use this stance to set up various attacks, such as the aforementioned sumi gaeshi, or even hit counterattacks if you do MMA.

2) Transition from overhook to front headlock

From the overhook position, an effective transition is to perform a front headlock. As your opponent tries to advance or apply pressure with the hook, lower your head to the mat while maintaining the hook. This not only destroys their base, but also opens up opportunities for various strangulations or dragging them to the ground for further control.

Guard control with overhook

1) Overhook from closed guard

In closed guard, the overhook is a powerful tool for controlling your opponent and setting up submissions. Attach a hook to one arm and use your other hand to control your posture by grabbing your collar, sleeve, or the back of your head. This position limits their ability to get up and defend against submissions. From here you can set up triangles, arm locks, or even omoplata submissions by manipulating their trapped arm and moving their hips outward to create angles.

2) Using the overhook for sweeps

The overhook is also useful for performing various sweeps from the guard. An effective technique is the scissor sweep. With a hook secured, position yourself in the scissor sweep position by performing a large shrimp on the locked side. From here, you can perform the basic scissor movement by positioning your knee and leg towards your torso and then scissoring your legs for the sweep. This is a super simple but effective sweep from the hook guard.

3) Switch to butterfly protection

From a closed guard or half guard, an overhook can aid in the transition to a butterfly guard, where you can use the overhook to lift or unbalance your opponent. Enter one or both butterfly hooks (feet placed on the inside of the opponent’s thigh) and use the hook to control the upper body as you lift him with your legs. This can lead to various sweeps and transitions, allowing you to move into a more dominant position or even stand up.

Integrating Overhook into your current game

To integrate the overhook into your grappling arsenal, evaluate your current fighting style and strategies. Determine common scenarios where an overhook could improve your control or create opportunities for submissions and removals. Practice incorporating the overhook into these scenarios during your training sessions to tailor its use to your natural movement patterns and strategic approach.

From here, you can combine the overhook with other techniques in your repertoire to develop combinations that flow naturally. For example, transition from a guard overhook to a triangle choke, or use an overhook to set up a sweep and then immediately follow up with a submission. These combinations can make your game more fluid and unpredictable.

Consistently practice overhook techniques with a variety of training partners to understand how it works against different body types and skill levels. Incorporate these techniques into live sparring to test their effectiveness under pressure and refine their execution based on real-world feedback. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly ask coaches and training partners for feedback on overhook usage. They can provide valuable information about timing, technique accuracy and overall strategy, thus helping you adapt your approach and integrate the overhook more effectively into your catching game.

Conclusion

Mastering the overhook in Jiu-Jitsu offers an impressive list of defensive and offensive techniques that can have a significant impact on your performance in various positions. Whether you stand, counter an underhook, or control from guard, the overhook provides excellent control over your opponent’s movements and postures. Regular practice, combined with training these techniques in live sparring, will make the overhook a vital piece of your grappling toolkit. Remember to always practice under proper supervision and in a controlled environment to ensure safety and effectiveness in your training.

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3 positions and techniques to reverse and counter the underhook in BJJ



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