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TechniqueGuardDeveloping

Butterfly sweep

A hook sweep from butterfly guard that elevates a partner to a corner and comes up on top.

How to read it

What this entry helps you see

The butterfly sweep uses one active hook and an upper-body connection to elevate a partner and tip them to a corner. It relies on off-balancing and timing rather than lifting straight up. When the partner is loaded onto the hook, a fall to the side takes you up to the top.

Key steps

  1. From butterfly guard, win an underhook or a strong grip and connect chest to chest.
  2. Off-balance the partner toward one corner to load their weight.
  3. Drop your head and shoulder toward the mat on the sweeping side.
  4. Lift with the hook on that side to elevate the partner leg.
  5. Follow the roll and come up into a top position.
  6. Settle your base and control the partner as you arrive.

Study cues

  1. Connect chest to chest before sweeping
  2. Off-balance to a corner rather than lifting straight up
  3. Match the falling shoulder with the lifting hook

Common errors

  1. Leaning back and losing the upper-body connection
  2. Trying to lift with the hook alone
  3. Sweeping without first off-balancing the partner