Become Fighter
The plum clinch: Muay Thai guide
The double-collar tie: control the head, control the fight.
The plum, or double-collar tie, is the Thai clinch. Both hands wrap behind the opponent's head, elbows pinch together and you pull their head down. From there the knees come.
It needs a partner, so go slowly and agree who is leading. Work light. A tie on the neck is control, not a pull to hurt. Stop the moment your partner taps or says stop.
Key points
- Both hands high on the back of the head, one palm over the other. Never interlock the fingers.
- Elbows squeeze together, forearms on their collarbones.
- Pull down with your arms, but keep your own head up.
- Stay tall and keep your hips close to theirs.
- Keep your weight forward on the balls of your feet.
- Work light and agree a tap signal first.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Pulling the head down with your own head dropped. Keep your chin up. Dropping your head into theirs invites an elbow or knee.
- Hands gripping the neck rather than the back of the head. Hands go behind the skull. Never squeeze the throat.
- Standing too far away. Close the distance. The clinch only works with your chest near theirs.
- Training at full force. Light and controlled. The aim is position, not damage.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Elbows and the clinch module of Muay Thai foundations.
Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play.
More from Elbows and the clinch
- The lead elbow: Muay Thai guide
- The rear elbow: Muay Thai guide
- Knees from the clinch: Muay Thai guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.