Inverted Lasso Guard Bottom

Jan 23, 202610 min read

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%

Opponent Counters

Counter-Attacks

Decision Making from This Position

If opponent maintains upright posture with weight back, resisting the inversion:

If opponent posts hand near hip or drives forward to prevent sweep:

If opponent attempts to extract lassoed arm by pulling back:

If opponent stands up or creates significant distance:

Common Defensive Mistakes

1. Placing weight on neck instead of shoulders during inversion

  • ❌ Consequence: Creates dangerous cervical spine pressure, risks serious injury, and eliminates hip mobility needed for techniques
  • ✅ Correction: Roll weight onto shoulder blades and upper back, keeping chin tucked to chest but weight distributed across broad surface area rather than concentrated on neck vertebrae

2. Releasing lasso hook tension during the inversion movement

  • ❌ Consequence: Allows opponent to extract their arm completely, eliminating all sweep mechanics and leaving bottom player in vulnerable inverted position without control
  • ✅ Correction: Maintain constant pulling pressure with lassoed leg throughout the roll, treating the hook as a fixed connection point that never slackens regardless of body movement

3. Remaining inverted too long without initiating technique

  • ❌ Consequence: Drains energy rapidly, allows opponent to establish counter-grips and pressure, telegraphs limited technical repertoire
  • ✅ Correction: Use inversion as transitional moment to enter sweep or back take, spending maximum 2-3 seconds inverted before completing technique or returning to upright guard

4. Failing to control opponent’s hip with free leg

  • ❌ Consequence: Allows opponent to step around and pass, eliminates berimbolo entries, reduces sweep angles and effectiveness
  • ✅ Correction: Keep free leg active, posting on opponent’s hip or threading behind back to control their base and create attacking angles

5. Using only arm strength to pull on sleeve grip

  • ❌ Consequence: Grips fail under pressure, techniques lack power, arms fatigue quickly making position unsustainable
  • ✅ Correction: Connect sleeve grip to body position and hip movement, using entire body rotation to generate force rather than isolated arm pulling

6. Inverting without proper grip establishment first

  • ❌ Consequence: Opponent easily counters inversion with pressure, pass opportunities open immediately, position never develops offensive potential
  • ✅ Correction: Establish strong lasso hook and secure sleeve grip before initiating inversion, ensuring all control points are locked before changing body position

7. Allowing opponent to pin inverted hip to mat with their weight

  • ❌ Consequence: Eliminates all hip mobility, prevents rotation needed for sweeps and back takes, creates easy passing opportunity
  • ✅ Correction: Keep hips elevated and mobile throughout inversion, never letting opponent control them with downward pressure - adjust angle or return to upright guard if hips become pinned

Training Drills for Defense

Static Inversion Hold Drill

Partner sits in upright lasso guard position while bottom player practices inverting smoothly onto shoulders, maintaining lasso hook and sleeve grip throughout. Hold inverted position for 10 seconds, then return to upright. Focus on weight distribution across shoulders, not neck. Repeat 10 times per training session.

Duration: 5 minutes

Berimbolo Flow Drill

From inverted lasso, bottom player threads free leg behind opponent’s back and initiates berimbolo rotation. Partner allows technique to develop slowly, helping bottom player understand the hip rotation and back attachment sequence. Complete 20 repetitions focusing on smooth transitions from inversion to back control.

Duration: 8 minutes

Overhead Sweep Timing Drill

Partner sits in defensive posture while bottom player inverts with lasso. As partner leans back to resist, bottom player executes overhead sweep by extending lassoed leg and pulling with grips. Partner falls forward into mount. Reset and repeat, building timing recognition for when opponent’s weight commits backward. 15 repetitions per side.

Duration: 6 minutes

Inversion-to-Upright Flow Chain

Bottom player alternates between upright lasso guard and inverted lasso continuously for 2-minute rounds, maintaining control throughout transitions. Partner provides moderate resistance, testing grips and position retention. Develops ability to use inversion as part of fluid guard system rather than isolated position.

Duration: 10 minutes

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 LevelRetention RateAdvancement ProbabilitySubmission Probability
Beginner35%40%15%
Intermediate55%60%35%
Advanced70%80%55%

Average Time in Position: 5-15 seconds (transitional position)

  • Lasso Guard - Parent position - traditional lasso guard is the foundation for inverted variation
  • Spider Guard - Entry position - commonly transition from spider to inverted lasso
  • Inverted Guard - Related position - shares inverted body mechanics and flexibility requirements
  • Berimbolo Entry - Primary technique - inverted lasso creates ideal berimbolo angles
  • De La Riva Guard - Complementary guard - similar hip positioning and sweep mechanics
  • X-Guard - Transition destination - many sweeps end in X-guard position
  • Back Control - Offensive target - berimbolo and kiss of the dragon lead to back
  • Triangle Control - Submission option - inverted position enables triangle entries
  • Omoplata Control - Shoulder lock entry - natural submission from inverted lasso
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