aliases:
  - Sweep
  - sweep
  - Sweeps
  - sweeps

Sweeps Overview

Sweeps are techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that involve reversing an opponent’s position from a guard (a defensive or neutral position) to a dominant position, such as Mount, Side Control, or Top Guard. They are a fundamental part of BJJ, enabling practitioners to turn a defensive situation into an offensive one by using leverage, grip fighting, and strategic hip movement to destabilize and unbalance the opponent.

Key Principles of Sweeps

Breaking Base

The primary goal of a sweep is to disrupt your opponent's base (their ability to maintain balance and stability) by targeting their legs, hips, or center of gravity.

Leverage and Angles

Sweeps rely on creating optimal angles to maximize leverage and reduce the strength needed to execute the technique.

Grip Fighting

Control over your opponent’s limbs, sleeves, or collar prevents them from posting and stabilizing when they are being swept.

Momentum

Many sweeps use momentum, either from your own motion or your opponent’s movement, to redirect their weight and tip them over.

Hip Movement

Effective hip movement allows you to generate power and create the space needed to execute the sweep.

Types of Sweeps

Sweeps are classified based on the mechanics, guard position, and motion involved. Below are common categories:

Directional Sweeps

These sweeps move your opponent forward, backward, or to the side.
Examples: Hip Bump Sweep, Push Sweep, Scissor Sweep.

Hook-Based Sweeps

Use your legs or hooks to lift and redirect your opponent.
Examples: Butterfly Sweep, Hook Sweep, Reverse Butterfly Sweep.

Inversion Sweeps

Involve rolling or inverting underneath your opponent to destabilize their base.
Examples: Berimbolo Sweep, Kiss of the Dragon Sweep.

Foot and Leg-Based Sweeps

Target the opponent’s legs directly to unbalance them.
Examples: Tripod Sweep, Sickle Sweep, Lumberjack Sweep.

Momentum and Timing-Based Sweeps

Rely on your opponent’s weight shifts or forward pressure to execute.
Examples: Balloon Sweep, Elevator Sweep, Flower Sweep.

Common Positions for Sweeps

Sweeps can be executed from various guard positions, such as:

Half Guard

With options like Coyote Sweep or Half Butterfly Sweep.

Sweep Goals and Benefits

Transition to Dominant Positions

Sweeps allow you to advance from a defensive or neutral position into control positions like Mount or Side Control.

Points in Competition

Sweeps are worth 2 points in most BJJ tournaments, making them a strategic tool for scoring.

Setting Up Submissions

Many sweeps create opportunities to transition into submissions like Armbar, Triangle Choke, or Kimura.

Countering Opponent’s Pressure

Sweeps can disrupt an opponent’s guard-passing attempts or aggressive movements.

Tip

A successful sweep requires precise grip fighting, hip movement, and timing. Always aim to maintain control after the sweep to secure a dominant position.

Tips for Sweeps

Control posture

Breaking their posture makes sweeps much easier.

Use momentum

Swinging your legs or creating angles maximizes leverage.

Timing is key

Execute sweeps when your opponent’s balance is already compromised.

Combine sweeps

Chain your sweep attempts to keep them guessing and off balance.

Follow up

Always transition to a dominant position after a sweep.