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Lasso Guard Variations Bottom | BJJ Position Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202516 min read

Lasso Guard Variations Bottom

bjjstateguardopen-guardlassovariationsadvanced

State Properties

  • State ID: S221
  • Point Value: 0 (Neutral)
  • Position Type: Offensive
  • Risk Level: Medium-High
  • Energy Cost: High
  • Time Sustainability: Short-Medium

State Description

Lasso Guard Variations represent advanced evolutions and combinations of the standard lasso guard system, incorporating elements like inverted positions, double lasso controls, and hybrid systems that combine lasso with other guards (DLR, spider, reverse DLR). These variations expand the attacking arsenal and create unique angles and off-balancing opportunities that standard lasso guard cannot achieve.

These variations are characterized by increased complexity and risk compared to traditional lasso guard. They often involve dynamic movements such as inversions, technical stand-ups, or unusual leg configurations that create unconventional attack angles. While these positions can be highly effective, they require superior flexibility, timing, and understanding of guard retention principles.

Advanced practitioners use lasso variations to create unexpected angles and attack chains that catch opponents off-guard. The variations excel at creating back take opportunities, complex sweep mechanics, and submission entries that aren’t available from standard lasso. However, they demand significant energy investment and can expose the guard player to specialized counters if executed poorly.

Visual Description

Your position varies significantly based on the specific variation employed. In inverted lasso, you may be rolled onto your shoulders with your lasso leg inverted over your opponent’s back while your free leg controls their far hip, creating intense off-balancing pressure. In double lasso variation, both your legs thread through both of your opponent’s arms simultaneously, creating a symmetrical control system that severely restricts their mobility but requires excellent flexibility and core strength to maintain. In lasso + DLR hybrid, one leg maintains lasso control while your other leg establishes a DLR hook on the same-side leg, creating a powerful combination that controls both upper and lower body. Your hands constantly adjust grips to maintain control—sleeve grips on lassoed arms, collar grips for posture breaking, belt or pants grips for sweep mechanics. Your hips remain highly active, constantly moving to create angles, manage distance, and prevent opponent from establishing stable passing pressure. The variations create unconventional spatial relationships that confuse opponents familiar only with traditional lasso defenses.

Key Principles

  • Advanced Angle Creation: Use inversions, technical stand-ups, and unusual leg configurations to create attack angles impossible from standard positions
  • Combination Guard Systems: Seamlessly blend lasso with DLR, spider, reverse DLR to create multi-layered control that’s difficult to clear
  • Dynamic Movement Requirements: Maintain constant movement and flow between positions as static variations are vulnerable to specialized counters
  • Energy Management Critical: Recognize these positions drain energy quickly; have clear attack plans and transition strategies
  • Flexibility Prerequisite: Many variations require significant hip and shoulder flexibility to execute safely and effectively
  • Back Take Emphasis: Many variations are specifically designed to create back exposure opportunities through opponent’s defensive reactions
  • Grip Fighting Intensity: Multiple simultaneous control points require excellent grip endurance and strategic grip management

Offensive Transitions

From this position, you can execute:

Sweeps (Inverted Lasso Variation)

  • Inverted Lasso Sweep → Mount (Success Rate: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 55%)

    • Use inverted position to create maximum off-balancing leverage for rotational sweep

  • Rolling Back Take → Back Control (Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%)

    • From inverted lasso, roll under opponent’s arm to take back as they defend sweep

Sweeps (Double Lasso Variation)

Sweeps (Lasso + DLR Hybrid)

  • Lasso DLR Combo Sweep → Mount (Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%)

    • Combine lasso arm control with DLR leg manipulation for powerful sweep

  • Matrix Back Take → Back Control (Success Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%)

    • Use lasso + DLR to create space for matrix movement to opponent’s back

Submissions

Position Improvements

  • Back Exposure → Back Control (Success Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%)

    • Use variations to force opponent into positions that expose their back

  • Standard Lasso Recovery → Lasso Guard Bottom (Success Rate: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%)

    • Return to standard lasso when variations become compromised

Guard Transitions

Defensive Responses

When opponent has this position against you, available counters:

Decision Tree

If inverted lasso is established:

  • Execute Rolling Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 50%)
    • Reasoning: Inverted position creates natural rolling momentum toward back exposure
  • Or Execute Inverted Lasso Sweep → Mount (Probability: 40%)
    • Reasoning: Maximum leverage in inverted position creates powerful sweep opportunity

Else if double lasso is established:

Else if lasso + DLR hybrid is established:

  • Execute Matrix Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 55%)
    • Reasoning: DLR hook + lasso arm control creates ideal back take configuration
  • Or Execute Lasso DLR Combo Sweep → Mount (Probability: 45%)
    • Reasoning: Combined upper and lower body control enables powerful sweep

Else if opponent attempts to counter with cartwheel or specific clear:

Else (variation is compromised or unstable):

Expert Insights

John Danaher: “Lasso variations represent the evolution of guard systems from simple mechanical controls to complex, multi-layered systems of constraint. The key insight is that each variation creates a specific structural problem for the passer—inverted lasso changes the spatial relationship entirely, double lasso creates symmetrical constraint, and hybrid systems attack multiple levels simultaneously. However, these advanced positions demand precise timing and superior technical understanding. They are not positions to maintain, but rather dynamic attack sequences that require constant flow and adaptation.”

Gordon Ryan: “I use lasso variations very specifically for back takes. The inverted lasso and lasso + DLR combo are my go-to setups when I’ve identified that my opponent is vulnerable to back exposure. I don’t hang out in these positions—I’m using them as brief transition points to access the back or to create such discomfort that the opponent makes defensive errors. The double lasso is interesting but very high-energy; I only use it when I need to completely shut down an opponent’s passing game temporarily while I set up something else.”

Eddie Bravo: “Lasso variations are where things get really creative and fun. The inverted lasso positions connect beautifully with my rubber guard system and calf slicer setups from the truck. I see lasso variations as part of a larger flow system where you’re constantly morphing between different guard types based on what the opponent gives you. The key is staying loose and flexible—literally and figuratively. If you’re rigid in your variation, you’ll get passed. You’ve got to flow like water between all these positions.”

Common Errors

Error: Attempting variations without prerequisite flexibility

  • Consequence: Risk of injury, particularly to hips, knees, and shoulders, when forcing body into positions it cannot safely achieve. Ineffective execution leads to easy guard passes and potential joint strain.
  • Correction: Develop flexibility through dedicated stretching and yoga practice before attempting advanced variations. Test range of motion in safe environments before live rolling. Work with experienced coach to assess readiness.
  • Recognition: If you feel sharp pain, joint instability, or inability to maintain position comfortably, you lack required flexibility. Should feel challenging but sustainable, not painful.

Error: Static maintenance of high-energy variations

  • Consequence: Rapid energy depletion makes you vulnerable in later exchanges. Holding double lasso or inverted positions statically is extremely taxing and provides diminishing returns as fatigue sets in.
  • Correction: Use variations as transitional attack positions rather than static holds. Enter variation, immediately attack (sweep, submission, back take), then transition to lower-energy position. Maximum 5-10 seconds in high-energy variation before attacking or transitioning.
  • Recognition: If you’re breathing heavily and feeling exhausted after maintaining variation, you’re holding too long. Variations should be brief explosive moments, not sustained positions.

Error: Poor grip management in multi-control positions

  • Consequence: Loss of critical grips causes entire variation structure to collapse, as variations depend on multiple simultaneous control points more than standard guards. One broken grip can cascade into complete guard loss.
  • Correction: Prioritize grip strength training and strategic grip selection. Understand which grips are essential versus optional for each variation. Transition positions before critical grips break rather than after.
  • Recognition: If grips are breaking mid-variation forcing defensive scrambles, your grip endurance or strategy is insufficient. Should feel solid control throughout variation execution.

Error: Failure to recognize variation vulnerability to specific counters

  • Consequence: Experienced opponents who recognize your variation can apply specialized counters that completely neutralize it, leading to guard pass or worse positions. Each variation has specific weaknesses.
  • Correction: Study common counters for each variation you use. Have planned exits and transitions when opponent begins counter sequence. Don’t commit blindly to variation when opponent shows they know the counter.
  • Recognition: If same variation consistently fails against experienced training partners, they likely know the counter. Should see success against unfamiliar opponents but adaptability against experienced ones.

Error: Neglecting variation-to-variation transitions

  • Consequence: When one variation is countered, inability to flow to different variation or guard type leads to defensive position or guard loss. Treating each variation as isolated position rather than part of flow system.
  • Correction: Practice flowing between all variations and between variations and standard positions. If double lasso is cleared, immediately flow to inverted or hybrid. If inverted is countered, flow to standard lasso or spider.
  • Recognition: If variations frequently lead to guard loss rather than position transitions, you lack fluid connection between positions. Should feel like dance between related positions.

Error: Overuse of same variation making it predictable

  • Consequence: Training partners and competitors learn your preferred variation and prepare specific counters, reducing effectiveness and making your guard easier to pass.
  • Correction: Develop proficiency in multiple variations and mix them unpredictably. Use variation selection based on opponent’s reactions and vulnerabilities rather than personal preference alone.
  • Recognition: If opponents consistently defend your favorite variation well, you’re overusing it. Should maintain element of surprise and adaptability in variation selection.

Error: Attempting variations without solid fundamental lasso guard

  • Consequence: Skipping foundational skills leads to poor understanding of core principles, making variations ineffective and unsafe. Variations are advanced applications of basic concepts.
  • Correction: Master standard lasso guard thoroughly before progressing to variations. Ensure you can maintain lasso against resistant opponents, execute basic sweeps and submissions, and understand fundamental mechanics.
  • Recognition: If your standard lasso is frequently passed or ineffective, attempting variations will only magnify problems. Build from foundation upward.

Training Drills

Drill 1: Variation Entry Sequences

Start from standard lasso guard and practice transitioning into each major variation (inverted, double lasso, lasso + DLR) with partner at 25% resistance. Focus on smooth entries that maintain control throughout transition. Partner provides feedback on control integrity during transition. Progress to 50%, then 75% resistance as entries become fluid. Emphasize recognizing when each variation is appropriate based on opponent’s position and reactions. 3 minutes per variation type, 3 rounds each, with rest between to review video or discuss technique details. Goal is seamless, automatic variation selection based on tactical situation.

Drill 2: Variation Attack Chains

With specific variation established (rotate through variations), practice immediate attack sequences: sweep attempts, submission entries, back takes (start 0% resistance for pattern). Partner gradually increases resistance (25%, 50%, 75%), forcing adaptation and combination attacks. Focus on explosive entry into variation followed by immediate attack within 5-10 seconds before energy depletes. Coach calls out variation type, you enter and attack, reset. 2 minute rounds, 6-8 rounds covering different variations and different attacks from each. Build automatic attack patterns from each variation configuration.

Drill 3: Variation Defense and Counter-Transitions

Partner attempts specific counters to each variation (cartwheel, stack, leg clear) while you practice recognizing counter early and transitioning to different variation or guard type (50% resistance). Goal is fluid adaptation rather than stubborn maintenance of compromised position. Partner increases intensity to 75% as your transitions improve. Focus on reading defensive cues, making early decisions to transition, and maintaining offensive position despite variation changes. 3 minute rounds, 4-5 rounds, with partner alternating between different counter types to build pattern recognition. Should develop sense of when to fight for variation and when to flow to alternative.

Drill 4: Flexibility and Mobility for Variations

Dedicated flexibility training: hip mobility drills (pigeon pose, frog stretch, splits progressions), shoulder flexibility (dislocates with stick, wall slides), spinal flexibility (cat-cow, scorpion stretches). Follow with dynamic movement drills that mimic variation positions: inverted movements, technical stand-up patterns, leg threading exercises. Partner-assisted stretching for lasso-specific ranges of motion. 15 minutes flexibility work, 10 minutes dynamic movement, 5 minutes position-specific stretching with partner. Perform 3-4 times per week separate from live training to build prerequisite mobility for safe variation execution.

Drill 5: Variation Position Sparring with Energy Management

Start each round with specific variation established, then free spar with special rule: you must transition out of high-energy variation within 10 seconds to attack or lower-energy position. Partner begins at 50% resistance, progressing to 100% over multiple rounds. Reset to starting variation after each successful action. Focus on explosive variation entry, immediate offense, strategic position transitions, and energy conservation. Instructor monitors round time and calls out energy warnings. 3 minute rounds, 5-6 rounds with different variations, evaluating ability to use variations effectively without exhausting yourself. Coaches provide feedback on variation selection, attack timing, and energy management decisions.

Optimal Submission Paths

Fastest path to submission (direct from variation): Lasso Guard Variations Bottom → Triangle from Inverted → Triangle Control → Won by Submission Reasoning: Inverted lasso creates immediate triangle entry angle when opponent’s posture is broken. Fast but requires precise timing and flexibility.

High-percentage path (back take emphasis): Lasso Guard Variations Bottom → Matrix Back Take (from lasso + DLR) → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke → Won by Submission Reasoning: Variations excel at creating back exposure. Taking back provides highest percentage submissions with dominant control. Most reliable path from variations.

Alternative submission path (omoplata-based): Lasso Guard Variations Bottom → Omoplata Variations → Omoplata Control → Roll to Mount → Mount Submissions → Won by Submission Reasoning: Various lasso variations create unique omoplata angles. Can finish omoplata or use it to sweep to mount for submission from dominant position.

Sweep to dominance path (traditional approach): Lasso Guard Variations Bottom → Inverted Lasso Sweep → Mount → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission Reasoning: Inverted lasso creates maximum sweep leverage. Sweeping to mount allows for controlled submission execution from top position.

Systematic variation flow path (advanced): Lasso Guard Variations Bottom → Rolling Back Take → Back Control → Body Triangle → Rear Naked Choke Series → Won by Submission Reasoning: Use variation as entry to back take sequence, then systematically advance to most dominant back control position before finishing. Reflects advanced understanding of positional hierarchy.

Position Metrics

  • Position Retention Rate: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%
  • Advancement Probability: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%
  • Submission Probability: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 45%
  • Position Loss Probability: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 35%, Advanced 20%
  • Average Time in Position: 30 seconds - 1 minute (brief transitional positions)

Graph View

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