Double Underhooks

What This Is

Double underhooks — both arms under the opponent’s arms, reaching toward their back — represent the most complete clinch control available from the front. Both hips are accessible, both arms are controlled, and the practitioner can steer the opponent in any direction. The position is the clinch equivalent of having back control: highly dominant, but arrived at through a process (the pummel) that has its own vulnerabilities.

Double underhooks are the product of winning the pummel — converting from the over-under by threading the overhook arm under the opponent’s and establishing a second underhook before the opponent can counter. The transition from over-under to double underhooks is the central skill of clinch pummeling.

From double underhooks, the primary entries are the front body lock (closing and locking hands around the torso) and the direct double leg (dropping under the opponent’s underhook counter). The position is strong but not permanent — the opponent will attempt to pummel out or establish a front headlock counter immediately.

The Invariable in Action

Double underhooks give bilateral hip control. The practitioner can drive either hip, pull either direction, and execute takedowns to either side. This is why double underhooks are the superior clinch position — the opponent cannot predict which direction the attack will come from, and both hips are compromised simultaneously.

Double underhooks maximise hip access to the highest available level from the front clinch. The practitioner’s forearms press into both of the opponent’s lats, controlling both hips. This is the prerequisite for the most direct double leg entry — level change from a position that already has hip control means the shot is already half-complete before the legs are touched.

Entering This Position

From Over-Under — Pummel Win

The most common entry. From the over-under, the practitioner creates a gap on the overhook side — typically by pulling the opponent into them briefly, creating momentary slack in the opponent’s arm — and threads the overhook arm under to establish the second underhook. The pummel must be fast: the opponent will counter-pummel immediately. See: Over-Under Clinch.

From Front Body Lock — Step Through

From a front body lock with arms clasped around the torso, the practitioner can slide their arms up to underhook position. This is double underhooks from a closed connection — typically less contested because the opponent is already locked. See: Front Body Lock.

Control Mechanics

Forearm Position

Both forearms drive into the opponent’s lats, not their shoulders. The hands reach toward the mid-back. The feeling should be of pulling the opponent’s torso into contact with your chest — not lifting them, not reaching high. The forearms are the active element, creating lateral hip compression that limits the opponent’s ability to step or pivot.

Chest-to-Chest Contact

Double underhooks must maintain chest contact. If the practitioner allows space between their chest and the opponent’s chest, the opponent gains the ability to drop their hips and begin pummeling out. The connection is the control — space is the enemy.

Head Position

With double underhooks, the head goes to one side of the opponent’s head — typically the dominant side. The primary danger is the opponent grabbing around the back of the head for a front headlock counter, so the practitioner keeps their chin tucked and their head pressed into the opponent’s chest or shoulder rather than presenting their neck.

From This Position

Front Body Lock

Clasp the hands behind the opponent’s back, converting double underhooks to the front body lock. This is a more stable version of the position — the opponent cannot pummel out once the hands are locked. See: Front Body Lock.

Rear Body Lock

Step to one side while maintaining both underhooks, walking behind the opponent to the rear body lock. The transition requires releasing one underhook momentarily to step behind. See: Rear Body Lock.

Double Leg Entry

Level change from double underhooks is the most direct double leg — the hip access is already established, the level change is the only remaining step. Drive forward through both legs. See: Double Leg Entry.

The Trade-Off

Double underhooks carry a significant vulnerability: the opponent’s sprawl counter. When the practitioner shoots from double underhooks and the opponent sprawls, the opponent’s weight drives down onto the practitioner’s arms. A good sprawl at this moment can dump both of the practitioner’s arms over their own head — leaving their neck completely exposed for the front headlock.

This is why double underhooks are often transitioned quickly to the front body lock (clasping the hands) or converted to a takedown immediately. Holding double underhooks in a static position invites the counter — the position must be used, not held.

The trade-off: double underhooks provide superior takedown access but create vulnerability to the front headlock counter if the entry is not committed. The practitioner must know what they will do from double underhooks before establishing the position.

Common Errors — and Why They Fail

Error: Static double underhooks — holding without acting. Why it fails: The opponent has time to adjust their base, drop their hips, and begin the sprawl counter or pummel out. Double underhooks are a transitional position with a short window. Correction: Have the next action decided before establishing double underhooks. The pummel win and the body lock or takedown entry are one continuous motion, not two separate steps.

Error: Underhooks at shoulder height. Why it fails: INV-11. Shoulder-level underhooks control the shoulder, not the hip. The opponent can still pivot and step freely. Correction: Drive the forearms into the lats. Both hands should reach toward the middle of the opponent’s back, not the top.

Error: Space between chest and opponent. Why it fails: Space allows the opponent to drop their hips and begin pummeling. The underhook’s control is based on contact, not just arm position. Correction: Pull the opponent into your chest using both underhooks simultaneously. Maintain contact throughout the transition to the next position.

Drilling Notes

• Pummel-to-double-underhooks. From the over-under, practise threading the overhook arm to achieve double underhooks. Count the pummel wins per minute — quality over quantity. The win must feel like a genuine gap was created, not a cooperative thread-through.
• Double-underhooks-to-body-lock. Practise the transition from double underhooks to front body lock as one motion — the window is short, so the locking of the hands should be immediate on achieving both underhooks.
• Counter-sprawl awareness. One partner in double underhooks attempts to shoot; the other sprawls and attempts the front headlock counter. This drill trains the practitioner to commit fully on the shot rather than being caught halfway.

Ability Level Guidance

Also Known As

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