Old School Sweep

The Old School Sweep is a high-percentage sweep executed from Half Guard that relies on controlling the opponent's leg and hip to off-balance them and transition to a dominant position, often Side Control or Mount. It is a fundamental and reliable sweep, particularly effective when the opponent applies heavy top pressure.

Key Concepts of the Old School Sweep

Leverage

  • The sweep uses Leverage to tilt the opponent’s base, making it difficult for them to maintain balance.

Connection

  • The Connections created by your grips and hooks allow you to control their movement.

Timing

  • Proper timing is essential. The sweep works best when the opponent commits their weight forward, making their base vulnerable.

Steps to Perform the Old School Sweep

Start in Half Guard

  • Establish a secure Half Guard by trapping one of the opponent’s legs with your legs.

Control the Opponent’s Base

  • Use an Underhook to reach under the opponent’s far side and control their hips or belt.
  • Keep your head low and tight to their chest to prevent them from cross-facing you.

Grip the Opponent’s Ankle

  • Reach down with your free hand and grab the ankle or pant leg of the opponent’s trapped leg.

Shift Your Hips

  • Use your legs to scoot underneath the opponent, getting your hips closer to their trapped leg.

Drive Forward

  • Pull the opponent’s trapped leg toward you while driving forward with the underhook.
  • Use your legs to assist in tilting their base by pushing with your Half Guard hook.

Follow Through

  • As the opponent falls, use your momentum to come up on top, passing their guard into Side Control or Mount.

Details to Ensure Success

Deep Underhook

  • The deeper your underhook, the more control you’ll have over their upper body, limiting their ability to base out or counter.

Leg Trap

  • Your bottom leg must tightly control their trapped leg to prevent them from retracting it.

Posture

  • Keep your head low and avoid letting the opponent establish a Crossface, which can shut down your movement.

Angle Creation

  • Move your hips to the side while pulling their leg toward you to create the necessary angle for the sweep.

Common Mistakes

Shallow Underhook

Neglecting the Trapped Leg

  • If you fail to control their ankle, they can free their leg and disengage.

Insufficient Hip Movement

  • Staying flat on your back or not scooting under the opponent reduces your ability to off-balance them.

Telegraphing the Sweep

  • Being too obvious with your grips or movement gives the opponent time to defend.

Countering the Old School Sweep

Crossface Pressure

  • Apply a Crossface to flatten the opponent’s shoulders and negate their ability to turn.

Reestablishing Base

  • Use your free leg to post or widen your base to avoid being tipped over.

Leg Extraction

  • Free your trapped leg by kicking it out or circling it over their hook.

Advantages of the Old School Sweep

High Percentage

  • Simple mechanics make it effective at all skill levels.

Works Against Pressure

  • Especially useful when the opponent commits heavy top pressure in Half Guard.

Smooth Transitions

The Old School Sweep is a staple for Half Guard players and a valuable tool in both gi and no-gi settings, offering a reliable way to reverse the position and take control.