Tonight we are going to take a look at two of my favorite sweeps. They both have mechanics that are used far beyond each individual technique.
First up is the shin sweep. I guarantee that I’ve done this to every one of my students I’ve rolled with. I originally learned it from watching Marcelo Garcia, but I do my shin sweep in a way that is less engaged on the opponent. His version is clearly derived from being used to getting x-guard on people at will. My version doesn’t require getting into something resembling a deep half guard. I’ve used it with 90% success on high level guys, while keeping it simple and appropriate for fundamentals students. This sweep comes up all the time when you are seated and your opponent steps a knee up and tries to dive in.
Second, I’ll be going over a hook sweep from butterfly guard. The setup for this sweep is very similar to the setup for the shin sweep I show, but the sweeping direction is opposite and depends on more control of your opponent.
Both of these can be used gi or no-gi. The shin sweep is identical for both, while the hook sweep can benefit from having a gi to work with. Once you are familiar with these sweeps, you are going to see opportunities for similar motions on different setups. The shin sweep uses your shin on the opponents leg, and you’ll see how to apply this style of leverage on your opponents arm.
Let’s see what this will do for your blue belt skills!
After lesson followup:
Everyone did a good job learning this tonight. A key factor for both of these is to aggressively use your butt scoot to engage your opponent before they realize what a mistake they made by stepping up a leg.
They only way to get comfortable with these sweeps is to force yourself to use butterfly guard, and practice these sweeps as much as possible. I have used the shin sweep in competition, and the hook sweep more times than I can count. Once you have the mechanics down, you’ll see that the fundamental elements of these sweeps crop up in other positions.
For the shin sweep, remember to drive your opponent away at a 45 degree angle, and try to orient yourself so that your body is in line with that angle so that you maximize your leg strength and help avoid injury to yourself. Getting that angle will also help you keep the foot off the ground, which solves a lot of problems.
For the hook sweep, remember that the arm you are sweeping them over should never touch the ground. Get your opponents shoulder to the mat, and use your legs to elevate them as high as you can and launch them away from you. The will help you avoid getting entangled in half guard, and a good twisting toss can be momentarily disorienting, giving you an opportunity to consolidate side control or scarf hold.