It’s very hard now to dominate opponents on the ground without throwing a single punch. You must now includes striking on the ground to make your MMA game complete. Ground and pound is a huge aspect of mix martials arts but there is no fighting style that teach how to execute proper ground striking.

Ground and pound is the ability to strike your opponent on ground in all positions: full guard, open guard, half guard, side control, mount, back mount, and turtle position.

While doing Ground and pound, you must:

• Keep a good balance to have an advantage on the opponent and to keep him away from countering. Keep your stance wide, lower your center gravity and avoid the sweeps. Weight distribution must be in relation with a resisting opponent in constant movement.
• Create Space to find opening and strike with power without to much effort. Posturing up can create space between you and your opponent. Creating space between you and your opponent allows your opponent to strike and to perform submissions. Stay alert.
• Control your positions to get on top and throw a variety of strikes. There is many position to perform good ground and pound (full mount, half guard, the side mounted crucifix). Controlling your opponent arms or head can give you more opportunity to strike.

Positionning is the key to execute your ground and pound techniques. It create the space and the angle needed to strike effectively.

Here is a Ground and Pound drill that you can do alone with an heavy bag to improve your positionning. You can add as many strikes as you want 😉