Back Step: Complete BJJ Technique Guide

# Back Step: Complete BJJ Technique Guide

## What is the Back Step?

The Back Step is a fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique that every practitioner should master. Whether you're a white belt just starting out or an experienced grappler refining your game, understanding the mechanics and timing of this technique will elevate your BJJ.

## How to Perform the Back Step

Here's a detailed breakdown based on expert instruction:

# Back Step

All right, guys, let's learn a bit now about the back step. What's backstep?

So, backstep basically is when I'm doing a knee cut and I end up losing the

underhook. And then before my opponent goes to my back, I have to do a back step.

Like, for example, imagine I'm fighting here. I went to do a knee cut,

okay? But I lost the underhook. Once I, let's move a little bit more here.

Once I lose the underhook, what I need to do? I need to backstep.

So I'm going to backstep this way. And I'm hugging his head. Lock my foot tight.

Let's turn this way.

Okay, so I'm here. I'm on this position here. He's still locking my foot.

If these knees are facing the ceiling, it's going to be very hard to escape my

leg. So this hand that's free, I should hold his leg and pull. Let's turn a little

bit more here. Now I can use this leg that's free to kick his leg,

escape, and then go to side control. Alright?

So Move more here, Sab. So imagine we're here. Let's turn this way. So we're here.

I went for a knee cut. But Sab got the underhook on me. Before he go to my back,

I need to back step. And then I hugged his head, and I will end up here.

It's called the inverted halfguard. Okay? This hand that's free. I will pull his leg

now I can use this leg to kick and I use this hand to pull when I pull with

this hand my foot is already free of course I'm kicking with my left as well since

I escaped block his hip and

get the side control right basic way to do the back step pass guys see you next

lesson

## Key Points to Remember

When drilling the Back Step, focus on these essential details:

1. **Positioning** — Your body position determines your success rate

2. **Timing** — Wait for the right moment, don't force it

3. **Grip** — Secure proper grips before committing to the technique

4. **Finish** — Follow through completely once you initiate

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many practitioners struggle with the Back Step because they:

- Rush the technique without proper setup

- Neglect the importance of base and balance

- Forget to control their opponent's reactions

- Don't drill both sides equally

## When to Use the Back Step

The Back Step works best when:

- Your opponent's weight distribution creates an opening

- You've set up the technique with proper grips

- You can commit fully to the movement

- You have a follow-up ready if the initial attempt fails

## Track Your Back Step Progress

The fastest way to improve any BJJ technique is tracking your training. JitsAI helps you:

- **Log every session** in 30 seconds with voice notes

- **Identify patterns** in what's working and what isn't

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**Stop guessing. Start tracking.**

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*This technique guide is based on instruction from Professor Henrique, covering the Back Step as part of the JitsAI Fundamentals Course.*