Outside Foot Sweep

Takedown
Also known as:
Podsiechka

The outside foot sweep (de ashi harai / podsiechka) is a timing-based takedown where you sweep your opponent's foot as it bears weight or moves forward, using your foot to reap from the outside while directing their upper body over the swept leg. It works in both gi and no-gi and is ideal when an opponent steps forward or shifts weight laterally, requiring minimal strength when timed correctly.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The sweep succeeds through precise timing—attack the foot exactly as your opponent shifts weight onto it or as it lifts during a step.
  • · Your hands must pull and steer your opponent's upper body in the direction of the sweep to break their balance (kuzushi) before the foot contact.
  • · The sweeping foot acts like a broom along the mat surface, contacting the ankle or lower shin from the outside with the sole or instep.
  • · Drive your opponent's weight over the leg being swept so they have no post or recovery option.
  • · If they resist by pulling back, immediately chain into a forward throw or inside trip to exploit the reversed momentum.

Execution

  1. 1 From a standing clinch or collar-and-sleeve grip, use push-pull grips to off-balance your opponent laterally or diagonally forward so their weight loads onto one foot.
  2. 2 As their weight commits to the target foot, sweep it from the outside using the sole or instep of your foot, making contact at the ankle or low shin and sweeping in the direction they are already falling.
  3. 3 Simultaneously pull their upper body sharply across and downward over the swept leg using your grips, amplifying the off-balance.
  4. 4 Follow through with the sweep and maintain grip control to guide them to the mat, landing in a dominant top position such as side control or knee on belly.

Common mistakes

  • × Sweeping too early before the opponent's weight has committed to the target foot, resulting in kicking air and losing position.
  • × Using only the legs without corresponding upper body kuzushi—without pulling their balance over the swept leg, the opponent simply steps through.
  • × Reaching with the sweeping leg by leaning the torso away, which compromises your own balance and makes the sweep weak and easily countered.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Outside Foot Sweep shows up.

Standing Position

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Side Control Top