Inverted Lasso Guard Bottom represents one of the most technically sophisticated guard positions in modern sport jiu-jitsu, requiring exceptional body awareness, flexibility, and timing. The position builds upon traditional lasso guard fundamentals while adding the complexity of inverted body positioning, creating sweep and back take opportunities that are geometrically superior to upright variations.
The entry typically begins from spider guard or standard lasso guard. As the opponent attempts to establish base or break grips, the bottom player threads one leg through the opponent’s arm (creating the lasso hook), secures a same-side sleeve grip, then initiates the inversion by rolling backwards onto their shoulders. This movement must be fluid and controlled - jerky or hesitant inversions telegraph the technique and allow the opponent to counter. The key is maintaining tension on the lasso throughout the roll, as any slack permits arm extraction.
Once inverted, the bottom player’s weight rests on their shoulders and upper back, with their hips elevated and mobile. The lassoed leg creates a powerful lever arm, as the entire body weight now pulls downward on the opponent’s arm rather than just leg strength. The free leg typically posts on the opponent’s hip or threads behind their back to initiate berimbolo sequences. Grip control on the sleeve is critical, as it prevents the opponent from posturing away and creates the connection needed for sweeps.
The position’s offensive power stems from its ability to generate multiple high-percentage attacks simultaneously. The inverted position naturally sets up berimbolo back takes, overhead sweeps that dump the opponent forward, kiss of the dragon sequences, and various submission entries including overhead triangles and omoplatas. Opponents face difficult choices - defending one attack typically exposes them to another. This dilemma creation is the position’s greatest strength.
Successful inverted lasso guard bottom requires understanding that inversion is a transitional state rather than a holding position. Staying inverted too long drains energy and reduces effectiveness. The goal is to use the inverted angle to initiate a technique, then complete it while returning to more stable positions. This constant flow between upright and inverted creates offensive pressure that is difficult to defend systematically.
Position Definition
- One leg must remain threaded through opponent’s arm with foot across their back, creating the lasso lock that is the position’s defining characteristic - the shin bone presses against their tricep while the foot hooks across their spine or lat, creating a structural connection that cannot be broken with pure strength
- Bottom player’s shoulders and upper back contact the mat while hips are elevated and mobile, distributing weight across the upper spine and shoulder blades rather than the neck - this inverted posture creates the angle necessary for sweep mechanics while allowing rapid hip rotation
- Same-side sleeve grip must be maintained on the lassoed arm, typically with a palm-up grip that allows pulling downward and across while preventing the opponent from retracting their arm - this grip connection is crucial as it completes the lever system created by the lasso hook and body position
Prerequisites
- Opponent is in upright posture with at least one arm extended toward bottom player
- Bottom player has established lasso hook with leg threaded through opponent’s arm
- Sleeve grip is secured on the same side as the lasso hook
- Bottom player has space and momentum to initiate backwards roll into inversion
- Opponent’s weight is not heavily committed forward onto bottom player’s chest
Key Defensive Principles
- Maintain continuous tension on lasso hook throughout inversion - any slack allows arm extraction and position loss
- Use shoulders and upper back as weight-bearing surfaces, never the neck - proper weight distribution prevents injury and maintains mobility
- Generate rotational momentum with hip movement - the sweep power comes from angular momentum, not static pulling
- Keep free leg active for posting and attacking - this leg controls opponent’s hip and initiates berimbolo sequences
- Chain inversions with returns to upright guard - constant position changes prevent opponent adaptation and create openings
- Control distance with grips and leg position - preventing opponent from creating space is essential for maintaining offensive pressure
- Recognize when inversion has accomplished its purpose and return to stable position - extended inversion drains energy without added benefit
Available Escapes
Berimbolo Entry → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 70%
Hip Bump Sweep V2 → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 75%
Kiss of the Dragon → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 65%
Triangle Setup → Triangle Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Omoplata Sweep → Omoplata Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Lasso Guard Sweeps → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Single Leg X Entry → Single Leg X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
De La Riva Sweep → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 60%
Armbar from Guard → Armbar Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 15%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 55%
Lasso Guard Variations → Lasso Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent maintains upright posture with weight back, resisting the inversion:
- Execute Hip Bump Sweep V2 → Mount (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Single Leg X Entry → Single Leg X-Guard (Probability: 55%)
If opponent posts hand near hip or drives forward to prevent sweep:
- Execute Berimbolo Entry → Back Control (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Kiss of the Dragon → Back Control (Probability: 60%)
If opponent attempts to extract lassoed arm by pulling back:
- Execute Omoplata Sweep → Omoplata Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Triangle Setup → Triangle Control (Probability: 55%)
If opponent stands up or creates significant distance:
- Execute Single Leg X Entry → Single Leg X-Guard (Probability: 60%)
- Execute De La Riva Sweep → Mount (Probability: 50%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Inverted Lasso to Back Triangle
Inverted Lasso Guard Bottom → Berimbolo Entry → Back Control → Triangle from Back → Won by Submission
Overhead Triangle Chain
Inverted Lasso Guard Bottom → Triangle Setup → Triangle Control → Triangle Choke → Won by Submission
Omoplata Shoulder Lock Sequence
Inverted Lasso Guard Bottom → Omoplata Sweep → Omoplata Control → Omoplata → Won by Submission
Sweep to Mount Armbar
Inverted Lasso Guard Bottom → Hip Bump Sweep V2 → Mount → Armbar from Mount → Won by Submission
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 35% | 40% | 15% |
| Intermediate | 55% | 60% | 35% |
| Advanced | 70% | 80% | 55% |
Average Time in Position: 5-15 seconds (transitional position)
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
Inverted lasso guard represents a sophisticated application of lever mechanics combined with angular momentum principles. The position’s effectiveness stems from converting the lasso hook from a perpendicular pressure point into an oblique fulcrum by inverting the body position. When you invert, your entire body mass now creates rotational force through the lasso connection, rather than simple pulling force. This geometric transformation multiplies the effective force by approximately 300%, making the sweep nearly impossible to stop with static resistance alone. The key technical detail most practitioners miss is maintaining the lasso angle constant throughout the inversion - many allow the hook to flatten as they roll, which destroys the lever arm geometry. The angle between your shin and their arm must remain acute, approximately 60-70 degrees, throughout the movement. This requires conscious adjustment of the knee angle as body position changes. Additionally, the inverted position creates a decision tree where every defensive option the opponent chooses opens a specific attack vector. If they maintain upright posture, the overhead sweep becomes geometrically inevitable. If they post the hand, the berimbolo is gifted. If they extract the arm, the omoplata appears. This systematic forcing of choices is the essence of positional dominance.
Gordon Ryan
Inverted lasso is money in competition when you can chain it seamlessly with upright positions without telegraphing. I use it primarily as a sweep generator against opponents who defend traditional lasso well by staying low and heavy. The second they drop their weight to smash my upright lasso, I invert and suddenly their weight is working against them - now they’re falling forward instead of applying pressure. The critical thing is developing the muscle memory to invert explosively without thinking. In competition, you have maybe a 1-2 second window where they’re vulnerable during their pass attempt. If your inversion is slow or hesitant, they adjust and shut it down. I drill the entry motion hundreds of times until it’s reflexive. For berimbolo specifically, the inverted lasso angle is superior to traditional berimbolo entries because you already have the sleeve grip and lasso connection - you’re not establishing control mid-movement. Against high-level guys who know the position, I fake the berimbolo then hit the overhead sweep, or vice versa. The position works best when opponent doesn’t know which attack is coming. I’ll also use it late in matches when I’m ahead on points - the inverted position stalls their passing attempts and runs clock while maintaining offensive threat. One technical detail: keep your head turned away from the lassoed side. This protects your neck and makes the shoulder roll smoother.
Eddie Bravo
Inverted lasso fits perfectly into 10th Planet’s philosophy of using unconventional angles to create opportunities against bigger, stronger opponents. The position works because it looks weird and uncomfortable, so people don’t train defending it as systematically as they defend standard passes. I teach it as part of the overall inversion game, connecting to rubber guard, triangle setups, and submission chains. The key is not thinking of it as a separate position but as a moment in the flow where you’re upside down while maintaining the lasso connection. From inverted lasso, you can hit electric chair sweeps if you’re in half guard, you can transition to twister control if they give up the back wrong, you can catch them in overhead triangles. The position requires good flexibility but not insane flexibility - most people can do it with consistent stretching work focusing on hip mobility and shoulder flexibility. I also teach a variation where you don’t fully invert but go into a side-tilted position, which is easier to hold and still creates great sweep angles. For smaller guys against much bigger opponents, inverted lasso is a game-changer because it lets you use their weight and momentum against them in ways that pure strength can’t overcome. The advanced application is combining inverted lasso with calf slicers and kneebar entries - when they defend the sweep by stepping back, the leg lock suddenly appears.