Single Leg X Sweep

Sweep

The Single Leg X Sweep (also called Single Leg X-Guard sweep) is performed from a half-butterfly/single leg X configuration where one foot hooks behind the opponent's far knee and the other foot presses on their near hip. It off-balances the opponent over their trapped leg to bring them down and allows the sweeper to come up to a standing position.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · Control the opponent's trapped leg tightly between your legs—inside hook behind the far knee and outside foot on the near hip creates a powerful lever.
  • · Elevate and extend your hips to load the opponent's weight onto the trapped leg, removing their ability to post or base.
  • · Off-balance them laterally and forward over the hooked leg so they cannot re-center their weight.
  • · Grip the ankle or heel of the trapped leg to prevent them from stepping free during the sweep.
  • · If they post with their hands or hop to recover, immediately transition to a technical standup or switch to a full X-Guard sweep.

Execution

  1. 1 From Feet On Hips Guard or Squid Guard, thread one foot behind the opponent's far knee as an inside hook while placing your other foot on their near hip, securing ankle or heel grip on the trapped leg.
  2. 2 Extend your hips upward to elevate the opponent and load their weight onto the trapped leg, breaking their posture and balance.
  3. 3 Turn your body toward the trapped leg side while pushing with your hip foot and pulling with the inside hook to topple them laterally.
  4. 4 As they fall or their base collapses, retain control of the leg, clear your hooks, and perform a technical standup to reach standing position.
  5. 5 Immediately establish grips or advance position once standing to prevent them from recovering guard.

Common mistakes

  • × Failing to control the ankle/heel of the trapped leg, allowing the opponent to simply step out and recover their base before the sweep completes.
  • × Keeping hips flat on the mat instead of elevating—this removes the mechanical advantage needed to off-balance and results in the opponent easily pressuring back down.
  • × Sweeping directly backward instead of laterally over the trapped leg, which lets the opponent post with their free leg and resist the sweep.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Single Leg X Sweep shows up.

Feet On Hips Guard Squid Guard

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Standing Position