Old School Sweep
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About This Technique
Old School Sweep - Step-by-Step Guide
Position:
- Half Guard
Japanese Name:
- N/A
Step-by-step Instructions:
Setup:
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Secure Half Guard: Begin in half guard with your opponent's right leg trapped using your right leg.
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Frame for Distance: Use your right hand to post on their shoulder, creating a frame to maintain some distance.
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Underhook & Head Position: With your left hand, reach deep for an underhook on their right arm. Simultaneously, keep your head under your opponent's left armpit to prevent them from cross-facing you effectively.
Execution:
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Dive Deep: Pull your opponent's hips close using your underhook and simultaneously dive deeper underneath them by angling your body. This prevents them from flattening you out.
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Control the Far Ankle: Once deep under them, use your right underhook to reach and control their far (left) ankle. This is crucial for disrupting their base and movement.
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Hip Bump: Begin to elevate your right hip and pull your body underneath your opponent while maintaining the grip on their far ankle.
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Sweep Execution: Use your left legs' leverage to scissor and elevate, while pulling with your right arm to complete the sweep:
- Your trapped right leg acts as a lever, lifting your opponent's weight.
- Your grip on the ankle prevents them from stepping back or basing out.
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Complete the Sweep: As your opponent begins to fall, rotate your hips and follow through, finishing the roll by coming up on top and securing side control or half guard top.
Finishing the Position:
- Secure Top Position: Immediately work to secure your position by flattening out your opponent, controlling their hips and possibly advancing to mount or side control.
Key Details:
- Ensure your head is always beneath your opponent's armpit to prevent them from cross-facing you.
- Your grip on the far ankle is pivotal; without it, the sweep will lack control.
- The scissor-like motion of your trapped leg provides the leverage needed to disrupt their base.
Common Mistakes:
- Allowing your opponent to flatten you out because of losing the underhook.
- Overcommitting to the underhook without securing their ankle, allowing them to counter.
Practicing this sweep can significantly improve your half guard game, offering not just a path to sweeping, but transitions to submissions and other positions once you achieve top control.
How to Execute
Old School Sweep from Half Guard Position in BJJ
Please follow the instructions below to perform the Old School Sweep from Half Guard position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Step 1: Establish Half Guard Position
Start by having your opponent in your half guard. You should be on your side, with one of your opponent's legs trapped between your legs.
Step 2: Secure an Underhook
Reach under your opponent's armpit (on the same side as the trapped leg) with your arm, and secure an underhook. This will give you a level of control over your opponent's upper body.
Step 3: Grip the Opponent's Toes
With your free hand, reach towards the toes of the opponent's free leg. Your goal is to grasp the toes or the end of the foot, creating a hook. This controls the opponent's base on that side.
Step 4: Create Space and Hip Out
Create space by pushing off your opponent with your underhook. At the same time, "hip out" by moving your hips away from your opponent, creating an angle.
Step 5: Sweep the Opponent
With the toes of your opponent's free leg secured and your underhook in place, use your legs and core to bridge and roll, sweeping your opponent over to the side of the trapped leg. Your underhook and your grip on their foot should guide them over.
Step 6: Follow Through to Top Position
After you sweep your opponent, follow through by moving your hips and releasing the half guard. This should bring you to a top position, such as mount or side control.
Remember, the key to this sweep is timing and the ability to coordinate your underhook, foot grip, and bridge. Practice this technique under the supervision of an experienced BJJ instructor to ensure proper form and safety.