The Short Offense

Mark Hatmaker

Let's get definitions out of the way for the new-to-the-game; the short offense is the scramble/wrestling-grappling position where the two competitors are both on their knees (not hands) facing one another. This position is most typically arrived at in one of three ways.

1. Off the Shot: A failed initial shot may find both athletes locking up and hitting the knees as the offensive athlete tries to get at his target's legs and the defender attempts to match levels.
2. Off the Scramble: Post-referee or quarter position, or after any see-saw grappling exchanges you will often find the athletes square to the short offense (those who eschew back-work that is).
3. By Choice: Many schools/gyms predominantly start scrimmages from the short offense.

No matter how you get to the short offense position it is an ideal reference point for inculcating new skills for beginners (and most intermediate players). I make this assertion for the reasons detailed below.

• Safety #1: Space considerations are often a factor as when working a crowded mat, or you simply have a limited area. Short Offense starts allow you to avoid crashing into one another or (hopefully) adding another hole to sheetrock walls.
• Safety #2: Safety is also an issue if we take into account the additional hazards of the takedown. Working the takedown is mandatory but there is no denying that that additional 18" of fall can really pack on the injuries over time.
• Conditioning/Slacker Factor: If, (if) conditioning is a factor (meaning it is at a deficit and you want to keep your crew going) you can opt to forgo the start from the feet to keep them playing longer; because, as we all know, the constant slam to the mat and getting to the feet takes its toll on the heart, lungs, and legs. [In my opinion this is the weakest reason for a short offense start. If conditioning is a factor, what better way to condition for the sport than by doing the sport?]
• Focus: A short offense start allows you to micro-manage detail, that is, by forgoing the technical considerations of a preceding shot you can hone in on the targeted par terre skill to be drilled.
• Transference: Much of what can be learned in the short offense position can be applied to similar tie-ups from the feet. In this light, we can use short offense work to strengthen our takedown offensive/defensive work and sharpen our mat game at the same time. Whereas a similar tie-up on the feet only hones one skill.
• Specificity: "Let your training reflect battlefield conditions." Since so many schools/gyms encourage (some mandate) a short offense start, and if you plan on playing in some of these environments, or facing folks from these environments, there is a mighty strong argument to be made for developing a crushing short offense game in isolation for just such contingencies.

Any of the preceding reasons are cogent arguments for tightening a short offense game but it was the final three (Focus, Transference, and Specificity) that led us to choose to open our Combination Man Curriculum with Short Offense work. If we can build focused detail in this position that will transfer from the mat to the feet and still reap the benefits of developing a crushing ground game even when you are denied the takedown by dint of the rule-set, it seems to be the most rational strategic tack to take.

RAW Subscription Update

For our current and considering RAW Subscribers, beginning with volume 123 (January 1st, 2013) we will begin unveiling The Combination Man Home Study Course in which we (finally) present in an ABC/1-2-3 manner the steps from, 0-120 MPH how to become the best Boxer-Pugilist, Shooter-Stuffer, Par Terre Wrester-Submission Technician you can be.

Each volume will tied-in to the inTENS PREMIUM CONDITIONING SERVICE (free to subscribers), will be accompanied by a printed syllabi of drills for gym use, and will then be keyed to a foundation text (The Combination Man) that will be released at a later date. In other words, some good methodical let's get better stuff coming your way.