Tripod sweep
An open guard sweep that blocks an ankle and pushes a hip to tip a standing passer.
How to read it
What this entry helps you see
The tripod sweep off-balances a standing passer by combining a foot on the hip, a grip on the far ankle, and a hook or push behind the near leg. As the passer loses their base backward, you come up while keeping ankle control. Angle and the ankle grip matter more than a hard push.
Key steps
- From open guard, grip the passer far ankle with your same-side hand.
- Place your near foot on the passer hip to manage distance.
- Hook or push behind the passer near leg with your other foot.
- Push with the hip foot while blocking the ankle so the passer cannot step back.
- Off-balance the passer backward and come up as they fall.
- Keep the ankle controlled and settle into a passing or top position.
Study cues
- Block the far ankle so the passer cannot recover base
- Push the hip and trap the leg at the same time
- Come up while keeping the ankle controlled
Common errors
- Pushing the hip without blocking the ankle
- Losing the ankle grip as the passer steps
- Staying seated instead of coming up on the off-balance