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PHASE 05 · ESCAPINGwhiteTEENS+
Side Control Escape Game
A foundational escape game that forces frames-first thinking.
Start position
Player A underneath side control with a comfortable frame; Player B on top with one knee on the mat
Time limit
1 min
Skill level
white
Run this introductory game
Draft coaching guidance. A qualified instructor must check the setup, constraints and suitability before use.
- Roles and rounds
- Use the Player A / Player B roles in the exact starting position below. Use 60 seconds per turn, then switch roles.
- Stop and reset
- Stop immediately on a tap, pain, unsafe pressure or coach call. Release grips and return to the listed start after a win or a stall. No submissions in this introductory variation.
- Make it easier
- Let the defending player establish a comfortable frame before starting. Lower resistance until both players can keep the position safe.
- Make it harder
- Remove the free starting frame and increase resistance gradually. Keep the same goal and safety limits.
- Observe
- Frames before bridges. A should never push without first framing.
- Next session
- Repeat with one adjusted rule. Record what you noticed, not an assumed improvement. Return to the problem guide.
Agree the roles, goal and reset before starting. Ask your coach to demonstrate any unfamiliar setup. This introductory variation is draft guidance requiring instructor review.
You should know
New to any of these? Tap to read the glossary entry before running the game.
Run sheet
Print- Setup
- Player A underneath side control with a comfortable frame; Player B on top with one knee on the mat
- Duration
- 1 min · reset on win condition
- Player A, does
- Recover half/full guard or safely reach knees
- Player B, does
- Maintain side control without submissions
- Reset trigger
- A recovers guard or reaches knees, or B maintains side control for 45 seconds; release and reset
- Key constraint
- No submissions, neck cranks or uncontrolled falls
Safety · tap = stop. Coach calls reset.
Video
The game
Player A, task
Recover half/full guard or safely reach knees
Player B, task
Maintain side control without submissions
Win condition · reset trigger
A recovers guard or reaches knees, or B maintains side control for 45 seconds; release and reset
Learning goal
Escape side control consistently
Constraints
Constraints
Task
-
Environment
- Clear mat space and qualified supervision
Individual
-
Other
- No submissions, neck cranks or uncontrolled falls
- Start at low resistance; stop on tap, pain or coach call
What it teaches
FramingHip escapeBridging
Coaching notes
Frames before bridges. A should never push without first framing.