Reverse X-Guard Top

Reverse X-Guard Top is a controlling position where the top player defends against the bottom player’s Reverse X-Guard attack while working to pass or advance position. The top player faces significant threats from sweeps and leg attacks but maintains several strategic advantages through proper posture, weight distribution, and hand fighting. This position requires the top player to balance defensive awareness with offensive pressure, as the bottom player has both their feet actively controlling the top player’s legs.

The top player’s primary objectives are to maintain upright posture, prevent the bottom player from off-balancing them backward or to the side, and systematically remove the hooks while advancing to more dominant positions. Success in this position depends on understanding leg entanglement mechanics, proper base management, and recognizing when to disengage versus when to pressure through the guard. The position is common in modern no-gi grappling and requires specific technical knowledge to navigate safely while avoiding leg lock entries.

Strategically, Reverse X-Guard Top represents a transitional state where the top player must make critical decisions about passing methodology. Pressure-based approaches involve driving weight forward to flatten the opponent, while mobility-based methods focus on creating angles and disengaging hooks. Understanding these options and reading the opponent’s reactions determines success rates, with advanced practitioners achieving 60-70% pass rates through systematic application of passing principles.

Position Definition

• Top player maintains standing or combat base position with at least one foot on the ground, preventing complete takedown while defending leg entanglement
• Bottom player has at least one hook controlling top player’s leg, typically with far leg hooking behind top player’s near knee while near leg controls hip or thigh
• Top player’s hips remain elevated above bottom player’s hips, preventing sweep completion and maintaining ability to generate downward pressure
• Top player’s hands actively control bottom player’s upper body or sleeves, preventing off-balancing grips and maintaining defensive frames against sweep attempts
• Bottom player is on their back or side with shoulders connected to the mat, maintaining guard structure while attempting to off-balance top player

Prerequisites

• Opponent has established Reverse X-Guard from standing, seated, or transitional position
• Top player has at least one leg entangled by opponent’s hooks
• Top player maintains upright posture with base on at least one foot
• Bottom player has active control with legs hooking top player’s legs
• Top player has not yet successfully passed or completely disengaged from guard

Key Offensive Principles

• Maintain elevated hip position above opponent’s hips to prevent sweep completion and control weight distribution
• Keep hands active in controlling opponent’s upper body, sleeves, or collar to prevent off-balancing grips
• Widen base with free leg positioned away from entangled leg to create stable tripod structure
• Apply forward pressure through hips toward opponent’s chest while preventing backward movement
• Systematically address hooks by either removing them sequentially or smashing through with controlled pressure
• Maintain awareness of leg lock entries, particularly straight ankle locks and toe holds from this position
• Use angle changes and hip movement to create passing opportunities while defending against sweeps

Available Attacks

Smash Pass → Half Guard

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 35%
• Intermediate: 50%
• Advanced: 65%

Knee Slice Pass → Side Control

Success Rates:

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

Long Step Pass → Headquarters Position

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 25%
• Intermediate: 40%
• Advanced: 55%

Leg Drag Pass → Leg Drag Control

Success Rates:

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

Butterfly Pass → Butterfly Guard

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 35%
• Intermediate: 50%
• Advanced: 65%

Back Step → Standing Position

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 50%

Opponent Escapes

• X-Guard Sweep → Mount (Opponent Success: 40%)
• Single Leg X Sweep → Mount (Opponent Success: 35%)
• Transition to Ashi Garami → Ashi Garami (Opponent Success: 30%)
• Transition to Deep Half Guard → Deep Half Guard (Opponent Success: 25%)

Escape Counters

• Smash Pass → Side Control
  • Opponent attempts to elevate hips for sweep
• Knee Slice Pass → Side Control
  • Opponent’s hooks weaken or lose connection
• Back Step → Headquarters Position
  • Opponent transitions to leg lock entry

Decision Making from This Position

If opponent has strong elevation and is actively attempting to sweep backward:

• Execute Smash Pass → Half Guard (Probability: 55%)
• Execute Widen base and apply forward pressure → Reverse X-Guard Top (Probability: 30%)

If opponent’s hooks are weakening or losing connection to legs:

• Execute Knee Slice Pass → Side Control (Probability: 60%)
• Execute Leg Drag Pass → Leg Drag Control (Probability: 50%)

If opponent is transitioning to leg lock entry or ankle lock position:

• Execute Back Step → Standing Position (Probability: 65%)
• Execute Sprawl Defense → Front Headlock (Probability: 40%)

If opponent transitions to X-Guard or Single Leg X-Guard variation:

• Execute Long Step Pass → Headquarters Position (Probability: 50%)
• Execute Butterfly Pass → Butterfly Guard (Probability: 45%)

Common Offensive Mistakes

1. Allowing hips to drop too low, bringing center of gravity down toward opponent

• ❌ Consequence: Opponent gains mechanical advantage for sweep completion, often resulting in backward or lateral sweep to top position
• ✅ Correction: Keep hips elevated by maintaining upright posture with active core engagement and base positioned wide for stability

2. Failing to control opponent’s upper body with hands, leaving arms passive or out of range

• ❌ Consequence: Opponent establishes off-balancing grips on sleeves, pants, or ankles that facilitate sweep attempts
• ✅ Correction: Actively hand fight by controlling opponent’s collar, sleeves, or establishing frames on hips and shoulders to prevent grip establishment

3. Keeping base too narrow with feet close together, creating unstable platform

• ❌ Consequence: Opponent easily sweeps to side or backward due to lack of base width and stability
• ✅ Correction: Widen free leg position away from entangled leg to create tripod base structure with maximum stability

4. Attempting to pass too quickly without first addressing hooks and establishing control

• ❌ Consequence: Opponent maintains hooks throughout passing attempt, resulting in failed pass or sweep during movement
• ✅ Correction: Systematically remove or control hooks first through pressure or repositioning before committing to passing movement

5. Ignoring leg lock threats and focusing solely on passing without defensive awareness

• ❌ Consequence: Opponent transitions to straight ankle lock, toe hold, or other leg attack, potentially finishing submission
• ✅ Correction: Maintain constant awareness of leg positioning and be prepared to backstep or disengage when opponent shifts to leg lock entries

6. Leaning backward or pulling away from opponent instead of applying forward pressure

• ❌ Consequence: Creates space and elevation that opponent uses to extend legs fully for powerful sweep
• ✅ Correction: Drive hips forward toward opponent’s chest while maintaining elevated position to flatten their structure

Training Drills for Attacks

Reverse X-Guard Top Retention Drill

Partner establishes Reverse X-Guard while top player works on maintaining elevated hips, wide base, and preventing sweep for 2-minute rounds. Bottom player attempts various sweep angles while top player focuses on base maintenance and pressure application. Reset after each sweep or successful defense.

Duration: 5 rounds of 2 minutes

Hook Removal Sequence Drill

Start in Reverse X-Guard Top and practice systematic removal of hooks using various methods: pressure smashing, angle creation, and hip movement. Work both hooks independently and in combination. Partner provides moderate resistance to simulate realistic conditions.

Duration: 10 minutes alternating sides

Pass or Defend Specific Training

Positional sparring starting from Reverse X-Guard Top. Top player attempts to pass within 90 seconds while bottom player attempts to sweep or submit. Reset to starting position after each success. Focus on decision-making between different passing approaches based on opponent’s reactions.

Duration: 6 rounds of 90 seconds each direction

Optimal Submission Paths

Shortest path to dominant control

Reverse X-Guard Top → Smash Pass → Half Guard → Knee Slice Pass → Side Control → Mount

Leg lock defense to passing sequence

Reverse X-Guard Top → Back Step → Headquarters Position → Knee Slice Pass → Side Control

High-percentage pressure passing path

Reverse X-Guard Top → Smash Pass → Half Guard → Underhook Pass → Side Control → North-South → Kimura from North-South

Success Rates and Statistics

Skill Level	Retention Rate	Advancement Probability	Submission Probability
Beginner	40%	35%	5%
Intermediate	55%	50%	10%
Advanced	70%	65%	15%

Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds

Related Positions and Techniques

• Reverse X-Guard Bottom - Opposite perspective - bottom player’s position
• X-Guard - Similar guard defense position with different hook configuration
• Single Leg X-Guard - Related leg entanglement defense position
• Ashi Garami - Leg entanglement position opponent may transition to
• Half Guard - Common transition target from smash passing
• Side Control - Target position from successful knee slice pass
• Leg Drag Control - Alternative passing position from angle creation
• Danaher Leg Lock System - System covering leg entanglement defense principles