Old school sweep
A classic half guard sweep that uses an underhook and a leg lift to come up on top.
How to read it
What this entry helps you see
The old school sweep is the foundational half guard reversal. With a deep underhook and control of the partner far ankle or foot, you off-balance them over the trapped leg and come up to the top. Timing the underhook and the ankle grip together matters more than strength.
Key steps
- From bottom half guard, win a deep underhook on the partner near side.
- Come up onto your near elbow and then your hand to build a base.
- Reach your free hand to grab the partner far ankle or foot.
- Drive your underhook shoulder forward while blocking the ankle.
- Off-balance the partner over the trapped leg and come up to the top.
- Free your trapped leg and settle into a stable top position.
Study cues
- Secure a deep underhook before coming up
- Block the far ankle so the partner cannot post
- Drive the shoulder and hips forward together
Common errors
- Reaching for the sweep without the underhook
- Leaving the far ankle free so the partner steps out
- Staying flat instead of coming up onto a base