Overview

The duck under is a pressure-based angle attack. When an opponent pushes into you with a collar tie, overhook, wrist control, or heavy hands, you use that forward pressure to slip underneath their arm and get behind.

Most people fail with the duck under because they try to force it against opponents who aren’t pressuring, or they treat it like a speed move. The duck under is not about being fast — it’s about recognizing pressure and exiting on an angle.

This page emphasizes when the duck under is available, what makes it work, and how to convert the angle into a finish.

Core Principles

  • The duck only exists when they are driving into you — no pressure, no duck
  • Level change creates the lane; movement alone is not enough
  • Your head passes under the arm, not around it
  • Stay connected as you move — the far hip or waist is your anchor
  • The duck creates the angle; you still need to finish the position

A duck under attempted without pressure usually gives up position.

Primary Variations

Collar Tie to Opposite Side Duck (Primary Tool)

A classic entry when opponents are focused on collar tie fighting and pushing back into you.

When it works best:

  • You have a meaningful collar tie and inside tie
  • They are actively pressuring forward to win head position
  • Their attention is on clearing or countering the collar tie

What makes it work:

  • The collar tie creates forward pressure and distraction
  • The inside tie arm provides a clean path underneath
  • You exit at an angle rather than straight down

Common outcome:

  • You clear their arm and appear behind their shoulder line
  • Body lock or go-behind becomes immediately available

Wrist Control Duck Under

Best used when the opponent is controlling your wrist and staying connected.

When it works best:

  • They are committed to wrist control
  • Their arm is extended or crossing their center line
  • They are pulling or leaning into the grip

What makes it work:

  • Their grip keeps them connected as you change levels
  • You move under the arm they are already committed to
  • You use their control rather than fighting it

Common outcome:

  • You exit behind them with continued connection
  • Go-behind or rear standing position

Super Duck

A more committed version used to cover greater distance.

When it works best:

  • Against taller opponents with higher ties
  • When standard ducks are being shut down
  • As a surprise after extended hand fighting

What makes it work:

  • A deeper level change creates access under longer frames
  • Commitment clears the arm entirely rather than halfway
  • Immediate control is required once you’re through

Tradeoff:

  • Higher commitment means higher risk if mistimed
  • Must be followed immediately with control

Common Mistakes

  • Ducking without pressure — they pull back and square up
  • Skipping the level change — leads to chokes or crossfaces
  • Over-ducking — you end up buried underneath instead of exiting
  • Losing connection mid-duck — gives them time to spin
  • Stopping after the angle — the duck creates access, not points

Transitions & Chains

The duck under is rarely a finish on its own — it’s an entry into stronger positions.

Common finishes:

  • Duck under → body lock → trip or lift
  • Duck under → go-behind → mat return
  • Duck under → rear standing → mat return

When the duck is defended:

  • Duck blocked → arm drag to same side
  • Duck stuffed → snap down opportunity
  • Duck defended with spin → reattack to the legs

The duck under often functions as a chain starter, not a standalone takedown.

Video Study

Watch the primary breakdown first. The examples below show how the same principles apply across styles and rule sets.

Primary Breakdown (Start Here)

Your video embed

  • 8–12 minutes
  • Directly reflects the principles on this page

Additional Examples

2–3 high-quality examples:

  • Different body types
  • Different levels of pressure
  • Different finishing choices