Off Balance from Over/Under Clinch

The over/under clinch is one of the most common—and versatile—positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. When you land here, most opponents instinctively focus on defending the throws that attack toward the overhook side of their body. That’s why an off-balance throw to the underhook side can be such a powerful surprise. 

This technique uses your opponent’s own pressure against them. As they push into you, you redirect their momentum with a quick off-balance movement, sending them over the underhook side. Not only can this be a clean throw that lands you in a dominant position, but it also serves as an excellent setup—opening the door for leg attacks, arm drags, or follow-up throws if your initial attempt doesn’t finish. 

Timing is everything. If your opponent is sitting back on their heels, the technique loses its power. But when you catch them driving forward—especially right after entering the clinch from a scramble—the throw feels almost effortless. Add this to your clinch game, and you’ll have an answer when opponents get too comfortable defending only one side. You’ll start landing throws, chaining attacks, and making your over/under game much harder to predict.