A few weeks ago we did a section on rolling back takes using a position commonly known as the Truck. Shortly after that we did a section on calf cutters and counters from the same spot. This class was a blend of the two with no new material.
The first rolling back take we looked at was from side control facing our opponents feet. This is frequently called Twister side control or full mount prep. The key to making the roll work on aware opponents is to make sure we get the dominant leg position. There is a point mid roll where the position may become neutral or worse yet better for our opponent then for us. The dominant position is determined by who has the ankle in the back of their opponents knee. In order to get this position the first move we make is to shift our hip to hip position backwards to gain hip to armpit instead. Here we can fit our ankle of our bottom leg behind the knee of their top leg by pulling it towards us. This is a key point to memorize. Our bottom leg hooks their top leg. Had we stayed hip to hip it is much more likely that when we hook the leg we will end up in the inferior position with their ankle on our knee instead. Once we have the hook in we reach with both hands for the free foot and do a shoulder roll. Half way through the roll we use our non hooking foot to stomp on our hooking foot to turn to hips further and expose the back. Lastly we grab the seatbelt grip and secure.
In the next version we start in mount and in an effort to re-guard our opponent pinches one of our ankles between their knees. From here we backstep, turning to look at their feet. In doing so we once again have the circumstance where our bottom leg is hooking their top leg and we can engage in the same sequence.
Edit: Check out this cool variation featuring local black belts Matt Kwan and Stephan Kesting.
In both of these versions we are finishing on the back. However, at the mid point of the roll we have the option to reach for the foot of the hooked leg and attack a calf slicer. Check out this for example from Sport Sambo.
As the defender here we need to prioritize a few things. First, we must try to keep our shoulders on the mat and avoid getting our back taken. My preference is to stiff arm the armpit to prevent my opponent bringing their chest to my back. If we deny the back take it is common for the attacker to move to the calf slicer. In that case we must defend that as well. First we cross our ankles, free leg underneath, and extend both. Next the goal is to free the foot and feed our opponents far leg between our knees and win an overhook on the ankle. This is essentially outside leg control or outside Ashi. From here expect them to drive up to try to take leg drag. Stay on the overhook and run it back to standing. Don't switch to the heelhook as they will likely ghost.
It's important as the attacker in the roll to always defend your hooking leg by triangling or stomping on the foot. But, sometimes people forget. As a defender, if you ever see the non hooking leg floating out in space, it's a opportunity for a fun hip lock. Fun for you, that is, not them. We reach across with both hands and win the knee of the free leg. Pulling the knee tight to our chest, we stomp both feet toward their head forcing them into a position similar to the Pidgeon pose in yoga.
