Hook Sweep

The Hook Sweep is a fundamental butterfly guard technique that leverages proper hook placement, angle creation, and weight manipulation to off-balance and sweep an opponent. This sweep is particularly effective when the opponent’s weight is distributed forward or when they’re attempting to pass your guard. The technique relies on elevating the opponent using butterfly hooks while simultaneously pulling them off-balance, creating a sweeping motion that results in a dominant top position. The Hook Sweep is one of the most high-percentage sweeps from butterfly guard due to its mechanical efficiency and the difficulty opponents face in defending once proper grips and hooks are established. This technique forms the foundation of the butterfly guard system and connects seamlessly with other butterfly guard attacks, making it essential for any practitioner looking to develop a comprehensive guard game. The sweep can be executed from both seated and combat base butterfly positions, and its success depends on timing, proper hook placement, and the ability to create and exploit angles.

Starting Position: Butterfly Guard Ending Position: Side Control Success Rates: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%

Key Principles

• Establish strong butterfly hooks with feet positioned deep under opponent’s thighs
• Create angle by shifting hips to the side of the sweeping direction
• Break opponent’s base by pulling them forward and off-balance
• Use simultaneous push-pull motion: lift with hook while pulling with grips
• Maintain tight connection between your chest and opponent’s upper body
• Follow through the sweep motion to secure dominant top position
• Time the sweep with opponent’s forward pressure or weight shift

Prerequisites

• Butterfly guard established with both hooks inserted under opponent’s thighs
• Strong grip control on opponent’s collar, sleeve, or overhook position
• Hips mobile and able to create angle to the sweeping side
• Opponent’s weight distributed forward or centered (not posted back)
• Sufficient space to execute sweeping motion without obstruction
• Upper body connection maintained through grips and posture control

Execution Steps

1. Establish butterfly guard position: Sit with both butterfly hooks inserted deep under opponent’s thighs, feet flexed and pulling upward. Establish strong grips on opponent’s collar with one hand and sleeve or tricep with the other. Maintain upright posture with chest connected to opponent’s upper body. (Timing: Pre-sweep positioning phase)
2. Create angle and off-balance: Shift your hips approximately 45 degrees to the side you intend to sweep (typically to the side of your collar grip hand). Simultaneously pull opponent forward and slightly to that side using your grips, breaking their base and forcing their weight forward over their knees. (Timing: Initial off-balancing motion)
3. Load the sweeping hook: Transfer your weight slightly to the non-sweeping side while maintaining the angle. Drive the sweeping-side butterfly hook deep under opponent’s thigh, foot flexed and ready to elevate. Your opposite hook maintains base and prevents opponent from posting. (Timing: Loading phase before explosive action)
4. Execute simultaneous lift and pull: Explosively extend your sweeping-side leg, lifting opponent’s near leg off the mat while simultaneously pulling their upper body toward you and down with your grips. The lifting motion should be directed upward and across your body. Your chest should remain connected to theirs throughout. (Timing: Primary sweeping motion - explosive but controlled)
5. Drive through and establish top position: As opponent begins to fall, continue driving your hook upward and rolling your body weight forward and over them. Use your grips to control their upper body and prevent them from recovering. Begin transitioning your hips forward to establish side control or knee on belly position. (Timing: Completion phase as opponent is swept)
6. Secure dominant position: Land in side control with your chest pressure on opponent’s torso, establishing crossface with your near arm and controlling their far hip or underhook with your other arm. Ensure your base is wide with knees spread, hips low, and weight distributed to prevent immediate escape attempts. (Timing: Final stabilization after sweep completion)

Opponent Counters

• Opponent posts hand to mat on sweeping side (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Switch to opposite side hook sweep or transition to alternative attack like arm drag to back take. Alternatively, attack the posted arm with kimura or use their post to facilitate different sweep angle.
• Opponent sprawls hips back and away (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow their backward movement by transitioning to deep half guard or X-guard. Maintain hooks and grips while adjusting position to capitalize on their weight distribution change.
• Opponent widens base and drops hips low (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Create more extreme angle and increase pulling force to break base, or chain to different sweep like elevator sweep using different mechanics. Can also transition to submission attempts like guillotine if they lower head.
• Opponent strips your grips before sweep initiation (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Immediately re-establish grips or transition to alternative control methods like overhooks or underhooks. May need to reset guard or switch to different guard style if grips cannot be maintained.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Attempting sweep without proper angle creation
  • Consequence: Opponent easily bases out to the side, sweep fails and may result in guard pass
  • Correction: Always shift hips 45 degrees to sweeping side before initiating lift. Angle must be established during setup phase, not during sweep execution.
• Mistake: Lifting with hook before pulling opponent off-balance
  • Consequence: Opponent maintains base and posture, sweep has no effect and wastes energy
  • Correction: Grips must pull opponent forward first, breaking their base before hook elevation begins. Think pull-then-lift, not simultaneous action in early learning.
• Mistake: Hook placement too shallow under opponent’s leg
  • Consequence: Insufficient leverage to elevate opponent, hook may slip out during sweep attempt
  • Correction: Insert hooks deep under opponent’s thighs with feet actively pulling upward. Toes should be flexed and pointing toward your own body for maximum connection.
• Mistake: Losing chest-to-chest connection during sweep
  • Consequence: Opponent creates space to recover base or escape sweep, may result in scramble position
  • Correction: Maintain tight upper body connection throughout entire sweep motion. Grips should pull opponent close while hook lifts, never allow gap to form.
• Mistake: Failing to follow through to top position
  • Consequence: Opponent recovers guard or initiates counter-attack, sweep gains no positional advantage
  • Correction: After initial lift, immediately drive body weight forward and establish dominant position. Sweep motion should be continuous from initial lift to final top position establishment.

Training Progressions

Phase 1: Weeks 1-2 - Basic mechanics and hook placement Practice hook insertion and maintenance with stationary partner. Focus on proper foot placement, angle creation, and grip establishment. Partner remains static while you drill setup position and basic lifting motion without resistance. (Resistance: None)

Phase 2: Weeks 3-4 - Coordinated sweep motion with cooperative partner Execute complete sweep with partner allowing technique to work. Emphasize simultaneous pull-and-lift timing, proper angle maintenance, and smooth follow-through to top position. Partner provides minimal resistance, allowing focus on technical details and body mechanics. (Resistance: Light)

Phase 3: Weeks 5-8 - Sweep against moderate resistance and counter responses Partner begins defending with common counters like posting, base widening, and hip sprawling. Practice recognizing and responding to different defensive reactions. Develop ability to chain to alternative techniques when primary sweep is blocked. (Resistance: Medium)

Phase 4: Months 3-6 - Live application and integration with butterfly guard system Incorporate hook sweep into positional sparring from butterfly guard. Practice setting up sweep from various grip configurations and against different opponent postures. Develop ability to create sweep opportunities through feints and combinations. (Resistance: Full)

Phase 5: Months 6+ - Competition refinement and situational mastery Apply technique in live rolling and competition scenarios. Develop timing to capitalize on opponent movements and weight shifts. Master variations and adaptations based on opponent size, style, and defensive patterns. (Resistance: Full)

Variations

Overhook Hook Sweep: Execute sweep with overhook control instead of collar and sleeve grips. Overhook arm threads over and controls opponent’s shoulder while opposite hand controls their wrist or tricep. Creates different angle and leverage for sweep execution. (When to use: Against opponents who defend collar grips effectively or when overhook is already established from previous exchanges)

Double Hook Butterfly Sweep: Use both butterfly hooks simultaneously to elevate opponent straight backward rather than to the side. Requires opponent’s weight centered and forward, pulling them directly over your center line while both hooks lift together. (When to use: When opponent’s weight is heavily forward and centered, or as counter to opponent attempting to stack or pressure into you)

Standing Hook Sweep: Execute from standing butterfly position where you’re on your feet with hooks still inserted. Provides additional power from leg drive and allows sweep without being on your back. Often used in no-gi contexts. (When to use: In no-gi grappling or when standing technical standup has been achieved but opponent remains engaged)

Arm Drag to Hook Sweep: Set up sweep by first attempting arm drag, then using opponent’s defensive reaction to create angle and opportunity for hook sweep. Arm drag breaks their structure and creates entry for sweep execution. (When to use: Against defensive opponents who maintain strong posture and base, arm drag creates opening for sweep entry)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: Why is creating a 45-degree angle essential before executing the hook sweep? A: Creating a 45-degree angle before the sweep serves multiple critical functions. First, it removes one of the opponent’s base points (the leg on the sweeping side), making them vulnerable to off-balancing. Second, the angle allows your lifting hook to have maximum mechanical advantage, as you’re pushing perpendicular to their remaining base rather than directly into their strength. Third, the angle positions your body to follow through and establish top position naturally as the sweep completes. Without this angle, the opponent can simply post to the sweeping side or maintain their base through their legs, making the sweep ineffective regardless of how much force is applied.

Q2: What is the correct timing sequence for the pull and lift components of the hook sweep? A: The correct sequence begins with the pulling motion slightly before the lifting motion, though they should feel nearly simultaneous once proficiency is developed. First, your grips pull the opponent forward and off-balance, breaking their base and loading their weight over their forward knee. Then, as their weight commits forward, the hook lifts explosively. This sequence ensures the opponent has no base to defend against when the lift occurs. Beginners often make the error of lifting before pulling, which allows the opponent to maintain their base and simply resist the upward force. The pull must compromise their structure before the lift can be effective.

Q3: How should you respond if your opponent posts their hand to prevent the hook sweep? A: When the opponent posts their hand to prevent the sweep, you have several high-percentage options. First, you can switch to sweeping the opposite direction, as their posted hand has compromised their base on that side. Second, you can attack the posted arm with a kimura, as the posting action extends their arm into a vulnerable position. Third, you can use their posted position to facilitate an arm drag to their back, since the post prevents them from defending the drag effectively. Fourth, you can transition to a different guard like X-guard or single-leg X, using their committed post as an entry point. The key is recognizing the post as an opportunity rather than a complete defensive success.

Q4: What role does chest-to-chest connection play in the hook sweep’s effectiveness? A: Maintaining chest-to-chest connection throughout the hook sweep is crucial for multiple reasons. First, it prevents the opponent from creating space to post, base out, or otherwise defend the sweep. Second, the connection allows you to feel their weight distribution and reactions, providing crucial timing information. Third, keeping them close maximizes the effectiveness of your grips and upper body control, making it easier to break their posture and pull them off-balance. Fourth, the tight connection ensures that as you sweep, you maintain control into the top position rather than sweeping them away where they might recover. Finally, the connection prevents them from using their superior reach or leg length to establish defensive frames.

Q5: Why is deep hook placement more effective than shallow hook placement for this sweep? A: Deep hook placement, where your feet are inserted well under the opponent’s thighs near their hips, provides superior mechanical leverage compared to shallow placement. Deep hooks give you a longer lever arm and position your lifting force closer to the opponent’s center of gravity, making it easier to elevate them. Shallow hooks, positioned near the opponent’s knees, create a shorter lever arm and position your force far from their center of mass, requiring significantly more strength and making the sweep easier to defend. Additionally, deep hooks are harder for the opponent to strip or escape, while shallow hooks can slip out during the sweep attempt. Deep placement also prevents the opponent from easily sprawling their hips backward, as your hooks trap their legs and control their hip mobility.

Q6: How does the hook sweep integrate with other butterfly guard attacks to create a systematic offense? A: The hook sweep forms the foundation of a comprehensive butterfly guard system by creating a hub from which multiple attacks branch. When opponents defend the hook sweep by posting, this opens kimura attacks and arm drags. When they sprawl backward, this facilitates transitions to deep half guard, X-guard, or single-leg X. When they attempt to pass to either side, this creates opportunities for elevator sweeps or opposite-side hook sweeps. The threat of the hook sweep forces opponents to make defensive choices, and each choice opens different offensive opportunities. This systematic approach, where one technique’s defense creates entries for others, is fundamental to high-level butterfly guard play. Additionally, the hook sweep can be combined with submission threats like guillotines or arm attacks, creating true dilemmas where the opponent must choose which threat to defend.

Safety Considerations

The hook sweep is generally one of the safer techniques in BJJ when practiced correctly, but several important safety considerations must be observed. First, ensure controlled execution during drilling, avoiding explosive force until both partners are comfortable with the mechanics. The partner being swept should be prepared to breakfall safely, keeping their chin tucked and using proper rolling mechanics to avoid head or neck impact. Second, maintain awareness of training space boundaries, as the sweep creates lateral movement that can carry both practitioners several feet from the starting position. Third, the sweeping practitioner must control their follow-through to avoid landing heavily on their partner or driving excessive pressure. Fourth, when drilling with significant size mismatches, the larger practitioner should moderate their force to prevent injury. Finally, partners should communicate clearly about resistance levels during drilling progression, ensuring both parties are ready for increased intensity before advancing to live resistance. Proper warm-up of hips and legs is essential, as the hook sweep requires significant hip flexibility and leg strength.

Position Integration

The hook sweep is a cornerstone technique within the butterfly guard system and plays a crucial role in the broader BJJ guard hierarchy. As one of the highest-percentage sweeps from butterfly guard, it serves as the primary offensive threat that forces opponents to make defensive commitments, which in turn create opportunities for other attacks. The hook sweep connects directly to the guard retention system, as maintaining butterfly hooks is essential for both defensive and offensive purposes. When integrated with other butterfly guard sweeps like the elevator sweep and arm drag series, the hook sweep creates a comprehensive attacking system where each technique’s defense opens opportunities for others. The sweep also serves as a transition point to dominant positions like side control, knee on belly, or mount, making it a crucial link between guard play and top position dominance. In terms of skill progression, the hook sweep is typically learned early in BJJ training as a fundamental technique, then refined throughout a practitioner’s career with increasingly sophisticated setups, timing, and combinations. Understanding the hook sweep is essential for developing effective butterfly guard play and forms the foundation for more advanced techniques like the Marcelo Garcia X-guard system.

Related Techniques

• Butterfly Sweep - Foundational technique - alternative butterfly guard sweep with similar mechanics
• Butterfly Sweep Variations - System connection - collection of related butterfly guard sweeping techniques
• Elevator Sweep - Complementary technique - alternative butterfly sweep using different leverage
• Arm Drag to Back - Combination setup - arm drag creates entry angle for hook sweep
• X-Guard Sweep - Follow-up transition - option when opponent defends by sprawling backward
• Kimura from Guard - Counter to defense - attacks posted arm when opponent defends sweep
• Single Leg X Sweep - Alternative attack - transition option from butterfly guard structure
• Deep Half Guard - Transition option - entry when opponent sprawls to defend hook sweep
• Butterfly Guard - Starting position - foundational guard position for technique execution
• Side Control - Ending position - primary finishing position after successful sweep
• Guillotine Choke - Submission threat - attack when opponent lowers head defending sweep
• Sweep Mechanics - Conceptual foundation - underlying principles governing effective sweeping

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The hook sweep represents one of the purest applications of leverage mechanics in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, demonstrating how proper positioning can overcome significant strength and size disadvantages. The effectiveness of this technique lies in the precise coordination of three mechanical elements: the creation of angular momentum through hip shifting, the establishment of a lever arm through deep hook placement, and the application of force through synchronized pulling and lifting. What makes the hook sweep particularly valuable from a systematic perspective is its role as a forcing function - it creates a decision point for the opponent where any defensive choice opens alternative attacking paths. When opponents post to prevent the sweep, they expose their arms to kimura attacks; when they sprawl backward, they enable transitions to other guard systems. This is the essence of systematic Jiu-Jitsu: building positions and techniques that create true dilemmas where the opponent has no purely defensive option. The hook sweep’s high success rate across all skill levels stems from its reliance on mechanical advantage rather than attributes, making it one of the first sweeps that should be mastered in any guard development program.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, the hook sweep is one of my highest-percentage techniques from butterfly guard because it works at all levels when executed with proper timing and setup. The key to making this sweep work against elite opponents isn’t just mechanical execution - it’s understanding when and how to create the right conditions for the sweep. Against high-level competitors, you can’t just sit in butterfly guard and expect to sweep them; you need to use grips, feints, and other threats to force them into positions where the hook sweep becomes available. I often set up the hook sweep by threatening arm drags or other attacks first, which causes my opponent to change their posture or base in ways that create sweep opportunities. The beauty of the hook sweep in competition is that it’s relatively low-risk - even if it fails, you typically maintain guard position rather than getting passed. This makes it perfect for point-fighting strategies where you’re looking for safe, high-percentage sweeping opportunities. One competition-specific detail that many people miss: as you execute the sweep, you want to immediately be thinking about the next position, whether that’s side control, knee on belly, or even taking the back if the opportunity presents itself.
• Eddie Bravo: What I love about the hook sweep is how it opens up the entire 10th Planet butterfly guard system when you start adding variations and combinations to it. The traditional hook sweep is great, but when you start playing with different grip configurations - like overhooks, whip-up variations, or combining it with our chill dog position - it becomes way more dangerous and unpredictable. In our system, we use the hook sweep as more than just a sweep; it’s a transitional technique that can lead to leg attacks, back takes, or our electric chair system depending on how the opponent defends. One variation we develop heavily is the standing hook sweep from combat base, where you’re on your feet with hooks still in - this gives you way more power and creates different angles that opponents aren’t used to defending. The key innovation in our approach is never thinking of techniques in isolation. The hook sweep isn’t just about getting to top position; it’s about creating chaos and opportunities. When you threaten the sweep and they defend, that’s when you can transition to our rubber guard system, go for leg locks, or hit them with completely unexpected attacks. The best part is that the hook sweep works perfectly in both gi and no-gi, which is essential for our MMA-focused training methodology.