THREE WAYS TO THE BACK | Coaching resource compiled from the Tyler McKay demonstration sequence | ResearchPod

Transcript: THREE WAYS TO THE BACK

[[RP_SECTION:de-la-riva-decision-tree|De La Riva decision tree]]

Alex: There's a back-take system built on the De La Riva guard that treats three separate techniques as branches of one decision tree, not three moves to memorize — the branch you take is dictated entirely by how your opponent is standing. It's the structure behind Tyler McKay's instructional guide on the position.

Sam: So the failure mode for most people isn't athleticism or speed — it's picking the wrong branch, going for a technique that doesn't match the opponent's actual base?

Alex: Exactly. If the opponent is standing light, you take the Baby Bolo. If they're sitting heavy, you invert for the Berimbolo. The technique is just the response to their base — you're not hunting it independently of that.

Sam: That reframes it. Most people drill these as separate moves, but you're saying the De La Riva hook itself is the actual lever, and the back-take is just whichever path that hook opens up.

Alex: Right. The hook acts as a sensor. If you can stretch it to the far hip without inverting, that's the Baby Bolo path — lower risk, no rotation required. The inversion is a secondary, higher-risk contingency, not the default. [[RP_SECTION:managing-inversion-stalls|Managing inversion stalls]]

Sam: What happens when the opponent neutralizes that — wide, heavy base, and the standard Berimbolo stalls? Does the framework account for that, or is it left unresolved?

Alex: It's built in. If the rotation stalls, the instruction is to abort the inversion immediately and transition to a sweep or a crab ride. The logic prioritizes holding position over forcing a specific finish — you're not meant to keep spending effort on a branch that's already closed.

Sam: So it's not really about forcing the back-take at all — it's about managing the transition and knowing when to bail. Is there a physical constraint, something like the seatbelt grip, that determines whether this actually holds under resistance? [[RP_SECTION:chest-connection-and-control|Chest connection and control]]

Alex: Yes, and it's treated as non-negotiable. Once you arrive behind the opponent, the chest has to connect to their hips before you go hunting for hooks. The legs keep you attached, but it's the upper-body connection that secures control. Skip that step and the hooks mean nothing.

Sam: So the hierarchy is hook control first, then the body connection, then the hooks themselves — and the common mistake is inserting hooks while the chest is still disconnected.

Alex: Precisely. Without that chest connection, the opponent just stands up and walks out. The hooks are a finishing detail, not the mechanism that actually controls them.

THREE WAYS TO THE BACK

Coaching resource compiled from the Tyler McKay demonstration sequence

Sep 24, 2026·3:49·user_upload

Back-takeDecision TreeInversionHook ControlSeatbelt GripBaby Bolo

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4 min

Briefing

Overview of the Back-Take Decision Tree

This resource provides a structured approach to taking the back from a De La Riva (DLR) guard position. Rather than treating back-takes as individual moves, the paper frames them as a logical progression based on the opponent's reaction to your guard. The goal is to provide coaches with a clear, safe, and progressive lesson plan that moves students from basic hip-line movement to full inversions.

The Three Techniques

Baby Bolo: The entry-level, non-inverting back take. It is used when the opponent is standing but not driving their weight onto you. By stretching a long hook to the far hip and scooting behind, the student learns the essential mechanics of hip-line travel without the risks associated with full inversions.
Waiter: This technique is employed when you have successfully isolated one of the opponent's legs. By using the leg as a 'tray' (elevating it to break their base), you can off-balance the opponent and spin behind them. It is the preferred option when the opponent is standing tall or has stepped one leg back, making the Baby Bolo reach difficult.
Berimbolo: The most advanced option, involving a full 180-degree inversion under the opponent's hips. This is reserved for situations where the opponent is heavy and refuses to give up the corner. It requires a deep DLR hook and precise grip management to ensure the student emerges behind the opponent rather than getting stuck underneath them.

Why It Matters

For many students, the Berimbolo is often taught as a 'magic trick' without the necessary foundational movement. This paper argues that by teaching these three techniques as a family, coaches can help students develop the necessary hip mobility and grip awareness in a safer, more logical order. It emphasizes that the back is the ultimate goal, but if the rotation stalls, the student should be prepared to transition to a sweep or a stable top position, ensuring that the guard player maintains an advantage regardless of the outcome.

Key Terms and Definitions

De La Riva (DLR) Hook — A guard position where one leg wraps around the outside of the opponent's lead leg, with the foot hooking the back of their thigh.
Waiter Tray — A position where the opponent's isolated leg is cradled in the elbow crease or on the shoulder, allowing the bottom player to lift and manipulate the opponent's base.
Seatbelt — A control position on the opponent's back consisting of one overhook and one underhook across the chest, used to secure the back and prevent the opponent from escaping.
Inside Shoulder — The shoulder on the same side as the DLR hook, which serves as the pivot point for a safe Berimbolo inversion.
Crab Ride — A transitional position where the bottom player is behind the opponent with one leg between the opponent's legs and shins hooked behind their knees, often used to maintain control during a back-take attempt.

THREE WAYS TO THE BACK: Research Paper Podcast