Butt Scoot

The Seated Scoot (Butt Scoot) is a fundamental movement mechanic in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu used to maintain mobility, create angles, and engage with your opponent from a seated position. This movement is crucial for playing guards like Butterfly Guard, De La Riva, or Open Guard, and is especially effective for closing the gap, attacking, or transitioning into dominant positions.

Purpose of the Seated Scoot

Distance Management

  • Allows you to close or maintain distance while seated, without compromising Base or Posture.

Creating Angles

  • Adjusts your positioning to attack or counter more effectively.

Guard Engagement

Mobility

  • Keeps you dynamic and responsive, even when grounded.

Step-by-Step Execution

Starting Position

  • Sit on the mat with your knees bent and feet flat, or with your legs slightly extended in front of you.
  • Maintain strong Posture by keeping your back upright and your Core engaged.
  • Your hands should be ready to post on the mat or grip your opponent for balance.

Lift and Shift

  • Use your hands or hips to slightly lift your weight off the mat.
  • Shift your hips forward or backward in a controlled motion.

Push with Feet or Hips

  • Push off the mat with your feet or use a small pendulum motion of your legs to drive yourself forward, backward, or sideways.
  • Stay light on your hips and maintain smooth, fluid motion.

Engage or Adjust

  • As you scoot, use the motion to:
  • Engage your opponent by closing distance.
  • Adjust your angle to improve your position or attack.
  • Transition into guard grips or hooks.

Reset and Repeat

  • After completing the scoot, reset your position and prepare for the next movement or technique.

Key Principles

Base

  • Keep your weight balanced and avoid overcommitting to a direction that could compromise your stability.

Angles

  • Use lateral scoots or angled adjustments to create opportunities for attacks or sweeps.

Posture

  • Maintain upright posture to avoid getting flattened or exposed to passes.

Connection

  • Stay connected to your opponent through grips, hooks, or Frames to control the pace of engagement.

Common Uses of the Seated Scoot

Guard Engagement

Attacking

  • Set up sweeps, takedowns, or submissions by adjusting your position dynamically.

Defensive Movement

  • Maintain distance and evade pressure from your opponent’s guard-passing attempts.

Transitions

  • Move into other positions like Turtle Guard or recover from failed attacks.

Drilling Tips for the Seated Scoot

Solo Drills

  • Practice moving forward, backward, and side-to-side while seated.
  • Combine with Granby Roll or Shrimp drills for fluid transitions.

Partner Drills

  • Start seated with a partner standing in front. Practice closing the gap or circling to create angles.
  • Drill transitions into guard or grips during the scoot.

Flow Drills

Positional Sparring

  • Begin seated against a partner trying to pass your guard. Use the scoot to maintain distance, recover Guard, or attack.

Key Mistakes to Avoid

Flat Posture

  • Slouching or leaning back reduces your ability to move dynamically and exposes you to attacks.

Overcommitting

  • Scooting too far forward without control can leave you vulnerable to counters or Guard Pass Overview.

Jerky Movements

  • Smooth, controlled motion is more effective than quick, erratic scoots.

Lack of Connection

  • Losing grip or hook connections to your opponent diminishes control and effectiveness.
Tip

The Seated Scoot is a foundational skill that enhances your guard game and overall mobility. Practice it regularly with a focus on posture, balance, and smooth transitions to make it an effective tool in live scenarios.

YouTube Videos