During an over-arm escape, what is the first move to create distance from the subject?

Using palms on the subject's hips is the correct first move during an over-arm escape because this technique effectively establishes immediate physical control and distance. By placing your palms on the subject's hips, you can create a barrier that allows you to push away from their body, enabling you to create spatial separation. This movement helps to destabilize the subject and reduces the grip they have on you, providing an opportunity to escape safely.

Creating distance is crucial in defensive tactics, as it reduces the threat and makes it harder for the subject to regain control. Other options, while they may also have their merits, do not initiate the separation as effectively. For instance, simply jumping back may not provide the control necessary to disrupt the subject's balance, while pushing their shoulders down might lead to a struggle rather than creating immediate distance. Locking their wrist could be useful in a different context but does not effectively create space for an escape in this specific situation.