BJJ Graph

Reverse De La Riva Guard Bottom

Dec 09, 202520 min read

Reverse De La Riva Guard Bottom is an advanced open guard position where the bottom player inverts their De La Riva hook, threading their near leg through the opponent’s far leg from behind while maintaining control of the opponent’s opposite leg. This creates a powerful off-balancing system that specializes in back takes, waiter sweeps, and kiss of the dragon entries. Unlike traditional De La Riva, which focuses on leg entanglements and direct sweeps, Reverse De La Riva excels at creating angles that expose the opponent’s back through rotational pressure and inversion mechanics.

The position requires strong hip mobility and core strength to maintain the inverted hook structure under pressure, as the hips must remain elevated off the mat to create dynamic mobility. The inverted hook configuration generates unique biomechanical advantages—by threading your leg behind the opponent’s stance from behind, you create a leverage system where their natural defensive responses actually increase the effectiveness of your attacks. When they drive forward to pressure your guard, they feed directly into the waiter sweep. When they attempt to disengage by standing or backstepping, they expose their back to kiss of the dragon entries and berimbolo rotations.

Strategically, Reverse De La Riva operates on the principle of creating rotational off-balancing that forces opponents into defensive dilemmas. The inverted hook structure naturally pulls the opponent’s base in a circular pattern, making it difficult for them to establish stable posture or initiate effective passing sequences. This makes the position particularly effective in both gi and no-gi grappling, though gi grips on pants and ankles can enhance the control significantly. The position serves as a critical bridge between traditional open guards and modern leg entanglement systems, offering practitioners multiple pathways to dominant positions including back control, top position via sweeps, and transitions to X-Guard or Single Leg X variations. Understanding this position is essential for modern competitors, as it has become one of the highest-percentage pathways from guard to back control in contemporary grappling.

Position Definition

  • Near leg threaded through opponent’s far leg from behind with foot hooking around their thigh or calf, creating inverted De La Riva configuration that generates rotational pressure pulling their base in a circular pattern
  • Hips elevated off the mat with active core engagement creating dynamic mobility rather than static positioning, maintaining approximately 45-degree angle with shoulders off the ground to enable inversion and rotation
  • Far leg controlling opponent’s opposite side through hooking behind knee or gripping ankle, preventing them from stepping away or establishing stable base while creating diagonal control system
  • Active hook pressure maintained through both legs with constant push-pull tension that keeps opponent off-balance, continuously adjusting hook depth and angle based on their weight distribution
  • Shoulders turned toward opponent with upper body positioning that prevents back exposure while maintaining visual contact, never allowing chest to turn away unless executing deliberate inversion technique
  • Near-side hand controlling opponent’s far ankle or pant leg while far-side hand frames against near leg or hip, creating unified upper and lower body control system that coordinates rotational off-balancing

Prerequisites

  • Strong hip mobility for maintaining inverted hook position with sustained elevation and ability to rotate hips dynamically
  • Understanding of basic De La Riva guard mechanics and off-balancing principles through hook systems
  • Core strength for sustained hip elevation and dynamic movement during inversion sequences
  • Familiarity with back-taking sequences including berimbolo mechanics and crab ride positioning
  • Ability to transition fluidly between open guard variations including X-Guard and Single Leg X
  • Grip fighting proficiency for establishing and maintaining ankle and pant controls under pressure

Key Defensive Principles

  • Maintain hip elevation off the mat through active core engagement to create dynamic rather than static positioning
  • The inverted hook creates unique rotational off-balancing angles that expose the opponent’s back rather than traditional sweep mechanics
  • Control opponent’s far leg to prevent escape and create sweep opportunities while maintaining the guard structure
  • Keep shoulders turned toward opponent to prevent back exposure while maintaining offensive transition options
  • Use active push-pull pressure with both legs to keep opponent constantly reacting and unable to settle into defensive posture
  • Create angles for back attacks through hip movement and rotation under the opponent rather than static holding
  • Strategic grips on ankles and pants enhance control and create pathways to sweeps, back takes, and guard transitions

Available Escapes

Waiter Sweep → Mount

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 40%
  • Intermediate: 55%
  • Advanced: 70%

Kiss of the Dragon → Back Control

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 30%
  • Intermediate: 45%
  • Advanced: 65%

Berimbolo Entry → Back Control

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 25%
  • Intermediate: 40%
  • Advanced: 60%

Crab Ride to Back → Back Control

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 35%
  • Intermediate: 50%
  • Advanced: 70%

De La Riva to X-Guard Transition → X-Guard

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 45%
  • Intermediate: 60%
  • Advanced: 75%

Single Leg X Entry → Single Leg X-Guard

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 50%
  • Intermediate: 65%
  • Advanced: 80%

Omoplata Sweep → Side Control

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 30%
  • Intermediate: 45%
  • Advanced: 60%

Rolling Back Take → Back Control

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 25%
  • Intermediate: 40%
  • Advanced: 60%

Transition to Truck → Truck

Success Rates:

  • Beginner: 30%
  • Intermediate: 45%
  • Advanced: 65%

Opponent Counters

Counter-Attacks

Decision Making from This Position

If opponent drives weight forward and attempts to smash pass through your guard:

If opponent stands up tall or attempts to disengage from hook engagement:

If opponent backsteps or attempts to clear the inverted hook with hand control:

If opponent shifts weight to near leg and attempts leg drag passing sequence:

If opponent establishes strong grips and attempts to break hook structure systematically:

Common Defensive Mistakes

1. Keeping hips flat on the mat without active elevation

  • ❌ Consequence: Reduces mobility and eliminates the off-balancing pressure that makes the position effective, allowing opponent to easily control distance and initiate passes. Static hip positioning also makes it impossible to generate the rotational movement needed for back takes.
  • ✅ Correction: Actively elevate your hips off the mat by engaging your core and maintaining tension in your hook structure, creating dynamic pressure that keeps opponent off-balance. Think of your hips as the steering wheel that controls the direction of the sweep or back take. Recognition: If you feel static or unable to generate movement, your hips are likely too flat.

2. Losing far leg control during transitions

  • ❌ Consequence: Allows opponent to step away with their far leg, establishing distance and stable base from which they can initiate passing sequences or completely disengage from the guard. Without far leg control, the inverted hook loses its off-balancing power.
  • ✅ Correction: Maintain constant awareness of far leg control through hooks or grips, adjusting between ankle control and knee control based on opponent’s position. If you lose the hook, immediately transition to a grip or re-establish control before attempting offensive techniques. The far leg control is what prevents opponent escape and creates the leverage for sweeps.

3. Allowing shoulders to turn away from opponent

  • ❌ Consequence: Exposes your back and eliminates offensive options, transforming you into a defensive position where opponent can attack your turtle or establish top control. Turning away also breaks the visual connection needed to read opponent’s reactions and time your attacks.
  • ✅ Correction: Keep shoulders square to opponent with chest facing toward them, maintaining visual contact and hand positioning that controls distance. Your upper body should always be engaged with opponent through grips and frames, never turning to expose your back unless executing a deliberate inversion technique.

4. Static hook positioning without dynamic adjustment

  • ❌ Consequence: Allows opponent to adapt to your pressure and establish counter-pressure, neutralizing the off-balancing effect of the inverted hook. Static hooks are easy to defend and don’t create the dilemmas that force opponent into vulnerable positions.
  • ✅ Correction: Constantly adjust hook depth and angle based on opponent’s weight distribution, using push-pull motion to keep them reacting. The inverted hook should feel like a constant wave of pressure rather than a fixed anchor point. Vary between deep hooks around the thigh and shallow hooks on the calf based on what creates the most off-balancing effect.

5. Gripping opponent’s far ankle without controlling their near leg

  • ❌ Consequence: Creates an imbalanced control system where opponent can easily drive their near knee forward to smash pass or establish headquarters position. The far ankle grip alone is insufficient to prevent skilled passers from working around the inverted hook.
  • ✅ Correction: Use your far leg to control opponent’s near leg (either hooking behind their knee or establishing a frame on their hip) while your hand grips their far ankle. This creates a diagonal control system that prevents them from driving forward or stepping away. Both sides of the control structure must work together to create effective off-balancing.

6. Attempting sweeps or back takes without establishing proper grips first

  • ❌ Consequence: Results in failed techniques where you lose guard position without gaining sweep or back control, often ending in opponent achieving the pass. Premature attacks without grip control leave you vulnerable to counter-passing sequences.
  • ✅ Correction: Always establish your grip control system (typically far ankle and near leg control) before initiating dynamic movements. The grips should feel secure and connected before you commit your hips to a sweep or inversion. If opponent is actively fighting your grips, focus on grip fighting first before attempting offensive techniques.

Training Drills for Defense

Hook Maintenance Drill

Partner attempts to extract their leg from your inverted hook while you maintain the structure with progressive resistance (25%, 50%, 75%), focusing on hip mobility and hook pressure. Partner varies their escape attempts between backstepping, forward pressure, and lateral movement. Emphasize keeping hips elevated and maintaining constant tension in the hook throughout all their defensive movements.

Duration: 5 minutes per round, 3 rounds alternating roles

Sweep Chain Drilling

Flow between waiter sweep, kiss of the dragon, and crab ride entries based on partner’s weight distribution, developing recognition of which technique to apply in each situation. Partner provides realistic resistance and weight shifts to simulate competition scenarios. Focus on reading their weight distribution and immediately selecting the highest percentage technique without hesitation.

Duration: 10 minutes continuous flow, rotating partners every 2 minutes

Far Leg Control Practice

Partner attempts to step away with their far leg while you maintain control using hooks and grips, alternating between ankle control and knee control to understand both options. Partner progressively increases their escape attempts from 50% to 100% intensity. Develop the sensitivity to feel when to transition between different control methods based on their movement patterns.

Duration: 3 minutes per control type, 2 rounds each

Dynamic Hip Movement Drill

From established Reverse De La Riva position, practice elevating and rotating hips in circular patterns while maintaining hook structure. Partner remains passive initially, then gradually adds resistance. Focus on generating momentum through hip movement that creates off-balancing angles without losing the fundamental guard structure.

Duration: 5 minutes per round, building from 0% to 75% resistance

Escape and Survival Paths

Back Attack Path

Reverse De La Riva Guard Bottom → Kiss of the Dragon → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke

Sweep to Submission Path

Reverse De La Riva Guard Bottom → Waiter Sweep → Mount → Armbar from Mount

Leg Lock Entry Path

Reverse De La Riva Guard Bottom → Single Leg X Entry → Single Leg X-Guard → Straight Ankle Lock

Berimbolo to Back Path

Reverse De La Riva Guard Bottom → Berimbolo Entry → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke

Omoplata Path

Reverse De La Riva Guard Bottom → Omoplata Sweep → Side Control → Omoplata from Guard

Success Rates and Statistics

Skill LevelRetention RateAdvancement ProbabilitySubmission Probability
Beginner30%35%20%
Intermediate50%55%35%
Advanced70%75%50%

Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds before transition to sweep or back take

Expert Analysis

John Danaher

The Reverse De La Riva guard represents a sophisticated evolution in open guard theory, utilizing inverted hook mechanics to create rotational off-balancing that is biomechanically difficult to counter. The fundamental principle operates on the concept that by threading your leg through the opponent’s stance from behind, you create a leverage system where their natural defensive responses actually increase the effectiveness of your attacks. When they drive forward to pressure your guard, they feed directly into the waiter sweep. When they attempt to disengage by standing or backstepping, they expose their back to kiss of the dragon entries. The position creates what I call a ‘rotational dilemma’ where every defensive choice leads to a specific offensive opportunity. The key technical element is maintaining hip elevation, which transforms the position from a static guard into a dynamic launching platform for attacks. Your hips must remain elevated and mobile, never settling flat to the mat, as this elevation is what generates the momentum for inversions and back takes. The inverted hook itself should be understood as a steering mechanism that controls the opponent’s center of gravity in a circular pattern, making it nearly impossible for them to establish the linear base needed for effective passing.

Gordon Ryan

I use Reverse De La Riva as a primary back-taking entry in competition, particularly against opponents who are proficient at defending traditional De La Riva. The waiter sweep is my highest percentage technique from here, as it forces the opponent into a compromised position whether they defend by staying heavy or by trying to backstep. The key is maintaining constant tension in the hook system and never allowing your hips to flatten out. In no-gi, the position works even better because opponents can’t use pants grips to stabilize, making the off-balancing extremely effective. My approach is to establish the inverted hook immediately when opponent stands in my De La Riva, then quickly assess their weight distribution to determine whether I’m going for the sweep or transitioning to kiss of the dragon. Against high-level opponents, I often use the position as a transitional state rather than holding it for extended periods - the goal is to create immediate off-balancing that leads to back exposure within 2-3 seconds of establishing the hook. The far leg control is absolutely critical; if you lose that control even momentarily, skilled passers will immediately capitalize by stepping away and establishing distance. I drill the transition between RDLR and Single Leg X constantly because opponents will often backstep to defend the waiter sweep, and that backstep motion feeds perfectly into Single Leg X entries where you can continue attacking with sweeps or leg locks.

Eddie Bravo

Reverse De La Riva fits perfectly into the 10th Planet system’s emphasis on back attacks and unconventional entries. We connect it directly to the crab ride and truck positions, creating a seamless chain from guard to back control. The inverted hook creates confusion for opponents who are drilling traditional passing sequences, and the hip mobility required develops naturally when you’re also training rubber guard and lockdown variations. I teach students to view this as a transitional position rather than a static guard, always looking to roll under for the back or sweep to top position within a few seconds of establishing the hook. The beauty of RDLR in our system is how it complements the lockdown game - if you’re comfortable inverting and using unconventional hip positions in lockdown, the mechanics of RDLR feel natural. We also combine it with our electric chair setups, where the inverted hook can be used to off-balance opponent before transitioning to deep half or lockdown positions. The key innovation in our approach is using the RDLR not just for sweeps and back takes, but as an entry point into leg lock positions and truck mechanics. When opponent defends the traditional RDLR attacks, we have drill sequences that transition to saddle entries or outside ashi positions, creating a multi-layered offensive system where they can’t focus on defending just one attack type. The position embodies the 10th Planet philosophy of constant movement and unconventional angles that keep opponents guessing.

  • De La Riva Guard - Traditional variation - shares fundamental principles but uses standard hook orientation
  • Single Leg X-Guard - Common transition target when opponent backsteps to defend inverted hook
  • X-Guard - Related position accessible through hook adjustments and rotational transitions
  • Back Control - Primary offensive target through kiss of the dragon and berimbolo sequences
  • Truck - Alternative back-taking position sharing similar inversion mechanics
  • Lasso Guard - Can be combined with RDLR for hybrid guard systems offering multiple control layers
  • Spider Guard - Alternative open guard sharing distance management principles
  • Open Guard - Parent category and recovery position when RDLR structure is compromised
  • Combat Base - Common defensive position adopted by opponent to counter RDLR mechanics