Reverse Roll Sweep

SubFamily

リバース・Roll・スイープ(Reverse Roll Sweep)

Translation: reverse roll sweep

Overview

The Reverse Roll Sweep uses a backward rolling motion from sit-up guard to take the opponent over, using momentum rather than strength. [1]

Also known as
Backward Roll SweepRolling Sweep

History & Origin

The Reverse Roll Sweep is a guard sweep detailed in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ approach. [1]

Effectiveness

Effective guard sweep technique. [1]

Lineage

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard methodology. [1]

Competition Record

Used in UFC and professional MMA competition

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary ActionGuard sweep mechanics for reverse roll sweep
Joints InvolvedHips, legs for the sweeping motion

Position & Entry

From guardExecute the reverse roll sweep

Variants

Not yet documented

Videos

Backward ROLL SWEEP From BUTTERFLY!

0
Reverse Roll Sweep·TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian

PLEASE Click this link to SUPPORT the TeachMeGrappling Channel!!! https://www.patreon.com/TeachMeGrappling or https:/

1 video

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

2
Low2/10

Positional reversal technique

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate
Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Restricted
no leg attacks below waist
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF
Legal
IJF — Legal throwing technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF
IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF
Unified MMA — Legal throwing technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF
FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF
FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF

Training Notes

Drill timing with a partner (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)

Common Mistakes

!Poor timing
!Not breaking the opponent's base first

Related Techniques

Counter Techniques

Setup Chain

1Guard control → Break balance → Reverse Roll Sweep → Achieve top position

Sources & References

Primary Source

Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)

1Book[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.

description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S

2Citation[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.

description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S

Community

Athletics

Hip mobility

Timing

Core strength

Notes

The reverse roll sweep uses an inversion (rolling backward) to sweep the opponent — the momentum of the roll carries the opponent over. Common from De La Riva and inverted guard. (BJJ instructionals; competition strategy)

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my opponent breaks out of my initial grip on the reverse roll sweep?

According to Coach Brian at TeachMeGrappling, if your opponent breaks out of your first grip attempt, transition to a two-on-one grip and continue your attack from there.

How do I prevent my opponent from escaping the reverse roll sweep with a hip escape or push?

Coach Brian emphasizes controlling your opponent's legs and correcting your base to prevent them from pushing, tramping, or closing the gap during the sweep.

What's my backup plan if I can't complete the reverse roll sweep?

If your opponent prevents you from securing the position mid-roll, Coach Brian explains you can transition to a pass by going around their resistance, rather than forcing the original sweep.

How does the Reverse Roll Sweep work?

The Reverse Roll Sweep uses a backward rolling motion from sit-up guard to take the opponent over, using momentum rather than strength.

Where does the Reverse Roll Sweep come from?

The Reverse Roll Sweep is a guard sweep detailed in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ approach.

Is the Reverse Roll Sweep legal in competition?

IJF: legal — Legal throwing technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels; UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle, banned in Greco-Roman (no leg attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal — Legal throwing technique; ADCC: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal

How dangerous is the Reverse Roll Sweep?

Danger rating 2/10. Positional reversal technique

How do I set up the Reverse Roll Sweep?

The standard setup chain: Guard control → Break balance → Reverse Roll Sweep → Achieve top position.

How do I defend against the Reverse Roll Sweep?

Standard counters include: Base out / Post with the hand / Pressure pass.

How effective is the Reverse Roll Sweep in competition?

Used in UFC and professional MMA competition

What are common mistakes when doing the Reverse Roll Sweep?

Top errors to watch for: Poor timing / Not breaking the opponent's base first.

What are other names for the Reverse Roll Sweep?

The Reverse Roll Sweep is also known as Reverse Roll Sweep, Backward Roll Sweep, Rolling Sweep.