I know you believe in systems and you have established one for all aspects of your bjj game (side control escapes, guard passing, etc). I also remember you mentioning that the arm drag was part of your system. Being that you see many people perform the armdrag,what are the most common mistakes you see people make when attempting this move. This question can apply to ppl doing the armdrag from standing, butterfly guard, half guard or anywhere.
In your opinion, what's the one single most important thing to make this move work?
I believe the the most common mistake is to think there is one single most important thing to make it work. If you believe there is one single key then you are only thinking about one single technique. As I have mentioned before, individual techniques are not difficult to counter. In addition, an individual technique can only work under a specific condition. The the most important thing is to develop a system around a technique because that is what allows you to adapt and improvise.
Reviewing instructional footage of Marcelo Garcia (no-gi), I've noticed that he almost 'pulls' half guard without the hand prop. Marcelo seems to almost be on his back, before shifting and popping up to take the initial back control (hand wrap, chest-to-back, one hook).
I'm interested in your comments in relation to this only, ie arm drag and initial back control.
What are the main differences you see from your review of the Garcia instructional/competition footage on how he does this aspect of the technique?
Do you have any other pointers from your wrestling/Marcelo Garcia expereince on (i) entries into the technique (ii) grips (iii) how to arm drag with the intent of disrupting balance for positional advantage and (iv) popping up to take initial back control?