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Single Leg X Sweep | BJJ Technique | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202512 min read

Single Leg X Sweep

bjjtransitionsweepsingle_leg_xleg_entanglement

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: T087
  • Transition Name: Single Leg X Sweep
  • Alternative Names: SLX Sweep, Single Leg X Guard Sweep, Ashi Garami Sweep

State Machine Properties

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: Low - minimal physical demand
  • Time Required: Quick - rapid execution window
  • Risk Level: Low - minimal chance of position loss

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Low - leverage-based technique
  • Flexibility Requirements: Medium - hip and hamstring mobility needed
  • Coordination Requirements: High - precise leg hook timing
  • Speed Requirements: Medium - timing-dependent execution

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From Single Leg X Guard position, you have one leg hooked behind the opponent’s knee (your inside leg) while your other leg has the foot placed on their hip or thigh (your outside leg). Your arms typically control their trapped leg with grips on the pants or ankle. The opponent stands upright trying to maintain balance on one leg while you control the other. You execute the sweep by simultaneously pulling their trapped leg towards you with your leg hook and grips while extending your hip-positioned foot to push them off balance. The combined pulling and pushing forces create a rotational off-balance that topples them to the side or backward as you follow through by coming up on top, resulting in a top position with you in control and them on their back or side.

One-Sentence Summary: “From Single Leg X Guard with leg hook and hip control, you pull their trapped leg while pushing with your foot to sweep them, coming up on top in control position.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish Single Leg X Guard with one leg hooking behind opponent’s knee and other foot on their hip
  2. Initial Movement: Pull opponent’s trapped leg close while extending your hip-foot to create off-balance
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent typically attempts to base out with free leg or hands to prevent sweep
  4. Adaptation: Adjust leg hook pressure and timing based on their balance and base reactions
  5. Completion: Complete sweeping motion by pulling trapped leg while pushing with hip-foot to topple them
  6. Consolidation: Follow through by coming up on top and securing control position immediately

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Control of trapped leg with grips on pants, ankle, or foot for directional control
  • Base/Foundation: Strong leg hook behind knee combined with hip-foot pressure creates leverage system
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent’s weight is centered on trapped leg or they’re attempting to step
  • Leverage Points: Leg hook pulls while hip-foot pushes, creating rotational off-balance vector
  • Common Adjustments: Vary pulling angle and pushing direction based on opponent’s base and weight distribution

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Tight leg hook and proper foot placement on hip (+/-15%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing when opponent’s weight is on trapped leg (+/-20%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced balance and base strength (+/-10%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding sweep mechanics and angles (+/-10%)
  • Position Control: Quality of Single Leg X Guard maintenance (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Step Over Defense: Stepping free leg over your body to create angle → Top Position (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: early recognition and mobility)
  • Limp Leg Escape: Making trapped leg heavy and dropping weight → Defensive Position (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: proper weight distribution)
  • Back Step Counter: Stepping back with free leg to establish base → Standing Guard (Success Rate: 50%, Conditions: quick reaction time)
  • Sprawl Defense: Driving hips forward and sprawling to neutralize hooks → Guard Pass (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: explosive timing)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [leg hook control] < 50%:
- Execute [[Limp Leg Escape]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [sweep timing] is telegraphed early:
- Execute [[Step Over Defense]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [opponent has superior base]:
- Execute [[Back Step Counter]] (Probability: 50%)

Else [optimal sweep execution]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The Single Leg X sweep is mechanically efficient because it creates a two-directional force system where you pull the opponent’s base while simultaneously pushing them off balance. The key is understanding that the sweep succeeds through rotational force rather than pure strength. The leg hook behind the knee acts as a fulcrum point while your hip-foot creates the pushing force that rotates them over their trapped leg. Most practitioners fail by pulling without pushing or vice versa, but the combination of both forces is what creates the inevitable off-balance.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In no-gi competition, I use Single Leg X sweeps constantly because they’re low-risk and high-percentage when timed correctly. The critical moment is when the opponent has their weight centered on the trapped leg, either because they’re trying to step forward or because they’re attempting to pass. I emphasize being patient in Single Leg X and not forcing the sweep until the timing is optimal. The sweep can lead directly to back takes or top positions, making it a versatile offensive tool.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “Single Leg X integrates well with the 10th Planet leg lock system because it sets up both sweeps and leg lock entries. I teach students to view Single Leg X as a control position with multiple attacks rather than just a sweeping position. The sweep itself is powerful but it’s even better when combined with leg lock threats that force opponents into compromised positions where the sweep becomes easier.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Insufficient leg hook depth behind knee

  • Why It Fails: Shallow hook allows opponent to extract their leg easily, eliminating sweep control

  • Correction: Drive your leg hook deep behind their knee, hugging it tightly to prevent extraction

  • Recognition: Notice if their leg feels loose or they can easily step out of your hook

  • Error: Pushing without pulling or pulling without pushing

  • Why It Fails: Single-directional force is insufficient to off-balance opponent with proper base

  • Correction: Coordinate simultaneous pulling with leg hook and pushing with hip-foot for rotational force

  • Recognition: Sweep feels weak or opponent doesn’t move significantly despite effort

  • Error: Attempting sweep while opponent’s weight is on free leg

  • Why It Fails: Their weight and base are on the uncontrolled leg, making them stable and resistant

  • Correction: Wait for or create moment when their weight shifts to trapped leg before initiating sweep

  • Recognition: Opponent feels immovable or easily bases out with free leg

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent’s weight is on trapped leg or they’re attempting to step forward
  • Avoid When: Opponent has strong base with weight on free leg and low center of gravity
  • Setup Sequences: After threatening leg locks or transitions that force weight onto trapped leg
  • Follow-up Windows: Must secure top position within 2-3 seconds to prevent scramble or re-guard

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of Single Leg X Guard control and leg entanglement basics
  • Physical Preparation: Hip mobility for maintaining guard position and leg hook flexibility
  • Positional Understanding: Single Leg X Guard mechanics and sweep principles
  • Experience Level: Intermediate technique requiring understanding of leg-based guards

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the sweeping force in Single Leg X sweep?”

    • A) Only the leg hook pull
    • B) Only the hip-foot push
    • C) The combination of pulling with leg hook and pushing with hip-foot
    • D) Upper body pulling
    • Answer: C

  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to execute Single Leg X sweep?”

    • A) When opponent’s weight is on their free leg
    • B) When opponent’s weight is on the trapped leg you’re controlling
    • C) When you’re tired
    • D) Any time you want
    • Answer: B

  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common leg hook mistake in this sweep?”

    • A) Hook is too deep
    • B) Hook is too shallow and doesn’t control knee properly
    • C) Using wrong leg for hook
    • D) Hook is too tight
    • Answer: B

  • Setup Requirements: “What position must be established before attempting?”

    • A) Closed Guard
    • B) Mount
    • C) Single Leg X Guard with leg hook and hip control
    • D) Standing position
    • Answer: C

  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if opponent steps over with free leg?”

  • A) Give up and return to closed guard

    • B) Transition to X-Guard or other leg entanglement position
    • C) Force the sweep harder
    • D) Let go completely
    • Answer: B

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Gi Specific: Can use pants grips for stronger leg control and directional guidance
  • No-Gi Specific: Relies more on tight leg hooks and foot placement for control
  • Self-Defense: Limited street application but demonstrates leg-based control principles
  • Competition: Highly effective in sport context with low risk and direct path to top position
  • Size Differential: Works well for smaller practitioners using leverage against larger opponents

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Hip mobility drills and leg hook movements without partner
  • Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows sweep completion for technique refinement and timing
  • Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive defensive resistance with base and counters
  • Sparring Integration: Implementing sweep during live rolling from Single Leg X position
  • Troubleshooting: Identifying and correcting common execution problems in real-time

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Pull, push, hook, extend, topple, sweep, rotate
  • Spatial References: Behind knee, on hip, off-balance direction, rotational force
  • Pressure Dynamics: Leg hook tension, hip-foot pressure, combined forces
  • Momentum Descriptions: Pulling motion, pushing extension, rotational off-balance

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Get that leg hook deep behind their knee”
  • Execution Guidance: “Pull with the hook, push with the foot, same time”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Feel their weight shift onto that trapped leg”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Follow through and come up on top, establish control”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Single Leg X Guard with leg hook behind knee and foot on hip
  • Transition Points: Initial pull and push, opponent off-balance, sweep completion
  • Ending Position: Top position with opponent on back and sweeper in control
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed sweep leading to scramble, transition to other leg positions

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Pulling force from leg hook combines with pushing force from hip-foot to create rotational vector
  • Leverage Ratios: Leg hook acts as fulcrum while hip-foot creates moment arm for rotation
  • Range of Motion: Hip extension and flexion mobility determines effectiveness of sweeping motion
  • Power Generation: Leg strength and hip mobility combine for execution rather than upper body power

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

  • All required properties with specific numeric values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete numbered execution steps (minimum 6 steps)
  • At least 3 common counters with success rates
  • Decision logic for opponent behavior
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Timing considerations and prerequisites
  • Training progression pathway

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as sweep (2 points) plus top position control
  • No-Gi Competition: Highly effective without gi grips, relies on pure positional control
  • Self-Defense: Limited street application but demonstrates leg control concepts
  • MMA Applications: Modified version can work in mixed martial arts with cage awareness

Historical Context

Single Leg X Guard and its associated sweeps emerged from the evolution of modern leg entanglement systems in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, particularly popularized by Marcelo Garcia and later refined by John Danaher’s leg lock system. The position demonstrates the transition of BJJ from primarily gi-based techniques to sophisticated no-gi leg control positions that emphasize leverage and positional control over strength.

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