Overtie Setup for Sweep Single Leg!
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Sweep Single Leg·TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian
This video demonstrates how to get past a collar tie using an "Overtie". You post the elbow up and shoot into a sweep s…
Sweep Single Leg
SubFamilyスイープシングル(Suīpu Shinguru)
TransliterationTranslation: sweep single (katakana)
Overview
The Sweep Single Leg subfamily attacks the opponent's lead leg with a sweeping motion at knee height, combining a reach for the leg with a lateral sweeping force to collapse the opponent's base. [1] Unlike direct-drive single legs that attack in a straight line, the sweep single uses an arcing, crescent-shaped attack path that approaches the leg from the outside and sweeps it inward. [1],[2] Sweep singles include knee taps and standard sweep singles, both of which use the sweeping mechanic to off-balance the opponent. [2] The lateral force vector makes sweep singles effective from angles where direct shots would be telegraphed. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
The sweep single is a technique found in both freestyle and folkstyle wrestling. [1]
Competition Record
The sweep single is commonly used in NCAA and international freestyle competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Isolation of one leg — controlling a single support point destabilises the opponent's base
Joints Involved — Attacker's lead knee (penetration step), hips (level change and lifting), opponent's knee and hip (controlled)
Force Vector — Lateral and upward — lifting or sweeping the captured leg while driving the shoulder into the opponent's body
Finishing Mechanic — Varies by finish — run-the-pipe (forward drive), trip (inside/outside foot trip), or lift (elevation of captured leg)
Position & Entry
From collar tie — Use the collar tie to control distance, inside-step and sweep the lead leg while driving with upper body
From hand fighting — Clear grips, step inside and hook the lead leg with the corresponding foot, drive through with shoulder
Videos
Unique Sweep From Single Leg X
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Sweep Single Leg·BIG OSS Jiu-Jitsu Channel
Whats Up Guys Welcome Back to My Channel Big Osss, If you Are New on My Channel and wants to learn From Me? Make Sure yo…
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Single leg is one of the safest takedowns; controlled descent (John Smith methodology)
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
— IJF — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct han...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFRestricted
Legal
— 2 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— Unified MMA — Legal takedown technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — all takedowns permitted
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF— 2 points
NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDFTraining Notes
✓Attack laterally across the opponent's body, sweeping the lead leg at knee height
✓Use the opposite hand on a collar tie or post to control their upper body direction
✓The sweep single is faster than a standard single because you don't need a deep penetration step
✓Combine the sweeping reach with a lateral push to off-balance before contact
✓Keep your level low during the sweep to stay under their center of gravity
✓The sweep single works especially well against an opponent in an open (opposite lead) stance
Common Mistakes
!Reaching for the leg without controlling the upper body first — easy to stuff
!Sweeping too high (mid-thigh) or too low (ankle) — knee height is the sweet spot
!Staying upright during the sweep, telegraphing the attack and losing leverage
!Not driving laterally as you sweep, relying only on the arm pull
!Targeting the rear leg when the front leg is closer and more vulnerable to the sweep
!Over-reaching and crossing your feet, destroying your own base
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attemptWhizzer (Overhook) — overhook the attacking arm and drive hip pressure to kill the angleCross-Face — push the attacker's head across their body to break their grip and alignmentLimp Leg — pull the attacked leg free by going limp and circling away
Setup Chain
1Level Change — lower your stance to penetrate below the opponent's arms
2Penetration Step — drive the lead knee between the opponent's feet
3Head Position — place head on the inside of the opponent's hip for control
4Grip the Leg — clasp hands behind the thigh or knee for a secure hold
5Drive and Finish — drive forward or angle off to complete the takedown
Sources & References
Primary Source
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationJapanese amateur wrestling terminology
Standard katakana transliteration used in Japanese wrestling (レスリング)
Community
Athletics
Requires
penetration step speed, upper body endurance for finishing, balance
Favours
longer arms for reach, quick hips for level change
Key muscles
quadriceps, hip flexors, shoulders, grip/forearms
Sub-techniques
Knee Tap
GenusThe Knee Tap is a sweep single genus where the attacker pushes the opponent's weight to one side using upper body control, then taps or blocks the loaded knee from the outside, collapsing the leg and causing the opponent to fall. [1] The attacker uses a collar tie, post, or push to shift the opponent's weight onto one leg, then reaches down and taps the outside of that knee while simultaneously pushing the opponent over the collapsing leg. [1,2] The knee tap requires minimal level change and is one of the lowest-energy takedowns available. [2] The technique is effective from standard tie-up positions and is often chained with snap-downs and ankle picks. [2,3]
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Standard Sweep Single
GenusThe Standard Sweep Single executes the fundamental sweep single leg where the attacker uses a lateral penetration step to reach the opponent's lead leg at knee height and sweeps it inward while driving the upper body laterally. [1] The sweeping arc of the attack path catches the opponent's leg from the outside, and the lateral driving force pushes them over their compromised base. [1,2] The finish involves the attacker following the falling opponent to the mat and establishing a top position. [2] The sweep single is effective as both a primary attack and a chain-wrestling transition from other setups. [2,3]
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set up the sweep single leg with an underhook?
Coach Brian from TeachMeGrappling recommends getting an underhook by moving your elbow outside, then pulling to get your partner's leg to step forward and square up their stance defensively.
What's the most important detail to keep the sweep working when my opponent has a strong base?
According to BIG OSS Jiu-Jitsu Channel, keeping your heel pointed correctly and maintaining hip elevation behind the opponent's knee is critical—if your foot becomes loose, your hip will drop and the sweep fails. Pinching your knees tight and keeping your elbows tight on your thighs helps maintain the connection.
What do I do if my opponent bounces on their far leg when I attempt the sweep?
BIG OSS Jiu-Jitsu Channel emphasizes not letting go when they bounce—keep your hands on the knee, take their far leg out, and bring them back with your bottom foot to elevate your hip and complete the sweep.
How does the Sweep Single Leg work?
The Sweep Single Leg subfamily attacks the opponent's lead leg with a sweeping motion at knee height, combining a reach for the leg with a lateral sweeping force to collapse the opponent's base. Unlike direct-drive single legs that attack in a straight line, the sweep single uses an arcing, crescent-shaped attack path that approaches the leg from the outside and sweeps it inward.
Where does the Sweep Single Leg come from?
Sweep single-leg techniques developed in both wrestling and judo traditions, where sweeping the legs laterally has been a fundamental off-balancing principle for centuries. The modern sweep single was refined in freestyle and folkstyle wrestling programmes.
Is the Sweep Single Leg legal in competition?
IJF: banned — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct hansoku-make for touching opp…; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle (2-4 points), banned in Greco-Roman (no attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal — Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal — Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)
How dangerous is the Sweep Single Leg?
Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — single leg is one of the safest takedowns; controlled descent (John Smith methodology)
How do I set up the Sweep Single Leg?
The standard setup chain: Level Change → Penetration Step → Head Position → Grip the Leg → Drive and Finish.
How do I defend against the Sweep Single Leg?
Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Whizzer (Overhook) — overhook the attacking arm and drive hip pressure to kill the angle / Cross-Face — push the attacker's head across their body to break their grip and alignment / Limp Leg — pull the attacked leg free by going limp and circling away.
What are the variants of the Sweep Single Leg?
Common variants: Inside single (shooting to the inside of the lead leg, head inside position); Outside single (attacking from the outside of the lead leg); High crotch (securing the thigh above the knee with head in the hip); Low single (attacking the ankle from outside range without deep penet…).
How effective is the Sweep Single Leg in competition?
The sweep single is commonly used in NCAA and international freestyle competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Sweep Single Leg?
Top errors to watch for: Reaching for the leg without controlling the upper body first — easy to stuff / Sweeping too high (mid-thigh) or too low (ankle) — knee height is the sweet spot / Staying upright during the sweep, telegraphing the attack and losing leverage / Not driving laterally as you sweep, relying only on the arm pull.
What are other names for the Sweep Single Leg?
The Sweep Single Leg is also known as Suīpu Shinguru, Sweep Single, Crescent Single Leg, Ashi Barai Single.