Overhook Sweep

Sweep

The overhook sweep uses a deep overhook (whizzer) on the opponent's arm from guard to off-balance them and roll them over, finishing in mount. It is most effective when the opponent posts their overhooked arm on the mat or drives forward, giving you leverage to redirect their weight.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · A deep, tight overhook that controls the opponent's arm at or above the elbow is essential for leverage.
  • · Breaking the opponent's posture and pulling their weight forward over you creates the off-balance needed for the sweep.
  • · Hip escape slightly to the overhook side to create an angle, which magnifies sweeping power.
  • · If the opponent bases with their free hand, use your opposite leg or a collar grip to remove that post before sweeping.
  • · When the initial sweep is stuffed, chain to a triangle or armbar on the overhooked arm since it is already isolated.

Execution

  1. 1 From guard, secure a deep overhook on one arm, clamping it tightly to your chest while gripping their wrist or sleeve with your opposite hand.
  2. 2 Break their posture down by pulling with the overhook and your opposite grip, hip escaping slightly toward the overhook side to create an angle.
  3. 3 Place your foot on the hip of the non-overhooked side (or use a butterfly hook) while your overhook-side leg posts on the mat or hooks their leg.
  4. 4 Drive off your posted foot, bridge your hips upward and toward the overhook side, rolling the opponent over the trapped arm.
  5. 5 Follow through to mount, maintaining the overhook to prevent them from framing or recovering guard.

Common mistakes

  • × Failing to clamp the overhook tightly to the chest, allowing the opponent to pull their arm free and re-posture before the sweep.
  • × Sweeping straight over without hip escaping to create an angle first, resulting in insufficient leverage and the opponent easily basing out.
  • × Neglecting to remove the opponent's free-hand post before initiating the sweep, which lets them catch themselves and stuff the attempt.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Overhook Sweep shows up.

Overhook Control Overhook Guard
2 less common
Butterfly Guard Bottom Closed Guard Bottom

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Mount Top