The Feet on Hips Tripod Sweep is one of the most fundamental and high-percentage sweeps available from the open guard. Executed from the feet-on-hips guard, this technique employs a three-point base destruction principle: one foot pushes the opponent’s hip backward while the other foot hooks behind their near ankle, and a hand controls the opposite ankle. The coordinated push-pull action collapses the opponent’s standing base, sending them backward to the mat while the sweeper follows to establish top position.
This sweep represents a cornerstone of open guard offense because it requires minimal grip prerequisites—no sleeve or collar control is strictly necessary, making it highly effective in both gi and no-gi contexts. The tripod sweep teaches the fundamental sweeping concept of removing base points while applying directional force. When the opponent’s weight shifts backward from the hip push, the simultaneous ankle removal eliminates their ability to step and recover, creating an irrecoverable topple.
Strategically, the tripod sweep creates a devastating dilemma when paired with the sickle sweep. Both attacks share the same initial feet-on-hips configuration but send the opponent in opposite directions—the tripod drives them backward while the sickle cuts them laterally. This pairing forces the opponent to defend multiple directions simultaneously, dramatically increasing the success rate of both techniques. The tripod sweep also serves as an excellent entry into standing passing sequences, as the sweeper naturally rises to their feet during follow-through.
From Position: Feet on Hips Guard (Bottom) Success Rate: 55%
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Open Guard | 55% |
| Failure | Feet on Hips Guard | 30% |
| Counter | Half Guard | 15% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute technique | Prevent or counter |
| Key Principles | Three-point base destruction: simultaneously attack the oppo… | Maintain a wide, low base with bent knees to lower your cent… |
| Options | 7 execution steps | 4 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
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Three-point base destruction: simultaneously attack the opponent’s hip and both ankles to eliminate all recovery options
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Coordinate push-pull timing so the hip push and both ankle controls engage at the same instant for maximum effect
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Generate primary sweeping force through explosive hip extension rather than arm pulling strength
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Create a slight angle with your hips before initiating to load the sweep and disguise the attack direction
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Follow the sweep immediately by sitting up and advancing—never pause on your back after a successful topple
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Use grip control on the far ankle to prevent the opponent from stepping backward to recover their base
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Maintain foot-on-hip pressure throughout the setup to control distance and prevent the opponent from closing range prematurely
Execution Steps
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Establish feet-on-hips guard: From your back, place both feet firmly on your opponent’s hip bones with the balls of your feet maki…
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Secure far ankle grip: Reach down with your hand on the side you plan to sweep toward and grip your opponent’s far ankle at…
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Transfer foot to ankle hook: Slide your foot on the same side as your gripping hand off the opponent’s hip and hook it behind the…
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Load the sweep: Slightly elevate your hips to load tension into your pushing leg and create a momentary coiling effe…
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Execute the three-point base collapse: Explosively extend your hip foot straight into the opponent’s hip bone while simultaneously pulling …
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Follow the sweep to top position: As your opponent falls backward, immediately release your hooks and begin sitting up using the forwa…
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Secure top position and begin passing: Advance immediately into an established top position before the opponent can recover their guard str…
Common Mistakes
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Pushing the hip without simultaneously controlling both ankle points
- Consequence: Opponent steps one free foot backward to recover balance, easily defeating the sweep and potentially initiating a pass over your extended legs
- Correction: Ensure all three contact points—hip foot push, ankle hook, and hand grip on far ankle—are established and engaged simultaneously before committing to the explosive sweep motion
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Telegraphing the sweep by reaching for the ankle before maintaining hip push pressure
- Consequence: Opponent recognizes the sweep setup and preemptively backsteps, strips your grip, or lowers their base before you can establish the hook
- Correction: Maintain constant hip foot pressure while disguising the ankle reach as part of general grip fighting activity. Reach for the ankle only when the opponent is distracted by grip exchanges or posture adjustments
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Insufficient hip extension resulting in weak pushing force that fails to displace the opponent’s center of mass
- Consequence: Opponent absorbs the push with bent knees and maintains balance despite having both ankles controlled, killing the sweep momentum
- Correction: Drive through the ball of your foot with full hip extension as if trying to push them across the room. The hip push is the primary force generator—commit to maximum extension at the moment of execution
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
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Maintain a wide, low base with bent knees to lower your center of gravity below the sweep’s effective threshold
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Keep your ankles mobile and ready to backstep immediately when you feel any hooking contact developing behind your Achilles
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Control the opponent’s legs through pants grips at the knees to prevent them from freely transitioning feet from hips to ankles
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Recognize the foot-from-hip-to-ankle transition as the primary indicator that the tripod sweep is being initiated
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Post your hands behind you as an emergency base recovery method if you feel your balance shifting backward past recovery
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Maintain active forward pressure through your grips rather than standing tall and passive, which invites the sweep
Recognition Cues
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Opponent’s foot begins sliding off your hip and moving downward toward your ankle or lower leg area
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Opponent reaches with one hand toward your far ankle while maintaining pushing contact with their remaining hip foot
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You feel a hook or instep wrapping behind your Achilles tendon or around the back of your ankle
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Sudden increase in push pressure through the remaining foot on your hip, indicating the sweep is about to fire
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Opponent’s hips elevate noticeably as they load their pushing leg for the explosive extension phase
Defensive Options
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Backstep the hooked ankle immediately to remove the sweep fulcrum before the push engages - When: As soon as you feel the foot transitioning from your hip toward your ankle—the earlier you react, the more effective this defense becomes
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Lower your base by dropping to combat base or widening your stance with deeply bent knees - When: When you recognize the sweep setup developing but before the hook is fully established, giving you time to change your posture rather than move your feet
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Strip the far ankle grip with your hand and immediately initiate a guard pass - When: When the opponent commits their hand to your far ankle, creating an upper body opening that you can exploit while removing a critical sweep control point
Position Integration
The tripod sweep occupies a central position in the open guard sweeping hierarchy, serving as the primary backward-direction sweep from feet-on-hips guard. It pairs naturally with the sickle sweep to create a bidirectional sweep system that forces opponents to defend two directions simultaneously. The technique connects the bottom guard game to top passing sequences, as successful execution transitions directly into open guard top position. It also serves as a gateway technique that teaches fundamental sweep mechanics—three-point base destruction—applicable across all guard systems, from De La Riva to butterfly to X-guard. Mastering the tripod sweep builds the coordination and timing awareness that underlies virtually every open guard sweep in the modern BJJ curriculum.