BJJ Graph

Reverse X-Guard Top

Dec 09, 202513 min read

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

Escape Counters

Decision Making from This Position

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

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

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

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

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 LevelRetention RateAdvancement ProbabilitySubmission Probability
Beginner40%35%5%
Intermediate55%50%10%
Advanced70%65%15%

Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds

Expert Analysis

John Danaher

Reverse X-Guard Top is fundamentally about understanding the mechanical relationship between hip height and sweep vulnerability. The bottom player’s primary weapon is their ability to elevate your hips above your base, creating a pendulum effect that results in the sweep. Your defense must center on maintaining hip elevation relative to theirs while establishing a wide, stable base. The key technical detail is the angle of your shin relative to their hooks - when your shin is perpendicular to the mat with proper weight distribution, their hooks lose mechanical advantage. Systematically address each hook through either pressure application that flattens their structure or angle creation that removes the hook entirely. Never allow both hooks to achieve full extension simultaneously, as this creates maximum sweeping power. The position represents a decision point between mobility-based passing that prioritizes disengagement and pressure-based passing that drives through the guard structure.

Gordon Ryan

In competition, Reverse X-Guard Top is where a lot of guys get swept because they don’t understand the urgency of the position. You can’t be passive here - the bottom player has too many options for off-balancing and leg attacks. My approach is immediate pressure forward with the goal of smashing through to half guard or forcing them to flatten out. I’m constantly hand fighting to prevent them from getting sleeve control or ankle grips, because those grips are what they use to break my posture. If I feel them starting to elevate me backward, I immediately commit to the smash pass or widen my base dramatically. The worst thing you can do is stay neutral and let them set up their attacks. I’m also always aware of the straight ankle lock threat - if they shift their hips for the ankle, I’m backstepping immediately. Most guys at the elite level will try to bait you into certain reactions, so I’m reading their hip movement and hand position to stay one step ahead.

Eddie Bravo

From the top in Reverse X-Guard, you’re in this weird zone where you’re defending but you also have control if you know what you’re doing. The 10th Planet approach is to stay heavy and use your weight intelligently - we call it ‘controlled smashing.’ You’re not just wildly driving forward, you’re targeting specific areas like their near shoulder or hip to create the flattening effect. One thing a lot of people miss is the value of hand fighting from this position - if you can control their collar or get a crossface grip, you completely change the dynamic. They can’t sweep effectively without using their hands to manipulate your balance. Also, don’t be afraid to disengage if you feel them transitioning to leg locks. There’s no shame in backstepping and resetting - it’s way better than getting caught in a heel hook because you were too stubborn to abandon the pass. The lockdown guys love catching people in this position, so stay mobile and keep your awareness high.