Plan B Sweep Overview
The Plan B sweep is an effective half-guard technique that works from two distinct positions: when the bottom player is deep in the position and when transitioning through dog fight. It functions well as a counter when opponents defend against other sweep attempts like the old school or half-and-half sweeps, making it valuable for chaining offensive techniques.
Plan B from Bottom Position Setup
When the bottom player has established a lockdown and double under hooks on their side, the Plan B begins by swimming the under-hook hand through to control the opponent's wrist or hand being used to whizzer. The bottom player then pinches their elbow down to secure this hand control while maintaining the lockdown clamp.
Knee Clamping and Hip Movement
After securing hand control, the bottom player's free hand seeks underneath the opponent's knee to establish a clamping position. Rather than rolling hips to generate the sweep, the bottom player executes a mini-shrimp underneath the opponent while maintaining pressure, using this explosive upward movement to take the opponent over.
Securing Positional Advantage
Once the sweep is initiated, maintaining pressure with a stiff arm on the inside of the opponent's knee prevents them from resetting. The bottom player can then step out and establish side control, with advanced practitioners potentially finishing with a heel load grip for additional control.
Plan B from Dog Fight Position
The Plan B can also be executed from dog fight, beginning after the bottom player shoots their leg through and achieves the elevated position. This version requires timing the opponent's lean-back response, as the opponent will typically push backward into pressure, allowing the bottom player to use that momentum against them.
Dog Fight Plan B Technical Mechanics
From dog fight, as the opponent leans back, the bottom player clamps hard at the hip and cuts their outside knee in to prevent the opponent from posting. The bottom player then shoots their other hand through to cut under the opponent's knee while positioning their foot as a crab hook underneath the opponent's leg.
Critical Elements for Dog Fight Success
Four key elements determine success from dog fight: using the opponent's backward momentum against them, maintaining a strong hip clamp to rotate the opponent's hips, blocking the posting space with the outside leg, and executing an explosive lift during the roll. All four components must work together to complete the sweep effectively.
Strategic Placement in Technique Chains
Plan B is rarely used as a primary sweep option, typically appearing as the third or fourth technique in a sequence after preferred sweeps like Boa or half-and-half. While effective, it carries more uncertainty and risk than other options, particularly from dog fight position, making it better suited as a follow-up when opponents successfully defend initial attacks.
Lockdown Half Guard, Part 10: The Plan B Sweep
Key Takeaways
- •Plan B Sweep Overview
- •Plan B from Bottom Position Setup
- •Knee Clamping and Hip Movement
- •Securing Positional Advantage
Follow Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu on social media: https://www.facebook.com/Cheat-Code-Jiu-Jitsu-2479604595490997 https://www.instagram.com/cheatcodejj/ In our previous videos covering the half & half sweep and the boa sweep, we discussed options for when you are leaning into your opponent from dog fight. A common reaction when you do that is for your opponent to lean back and put pressure into you. That's the time to re-counter into the plan B sweep. Properly done, your partner will get flipped onto their back before they even know what hit them. Alternatively, you can use the mini-shrimp to drag them into plan B before you ever even get up to dog fight. This is a multi-part video series covering the Lockdown position in extreme depth. If you're looking to level up your half guard game, make sure to watch the entire playlist! Looking for training gear? You can get a high quality rash guard right here, and help out the channel at the same time: https://amzn.to/2svj9lL (I earn commissions if you buy anything). You can also grab some great shorts here: https://amzn.to/36EQN6Z. Your instructional fix isn't satisfied quite yet? Looking to shop instructionals from BJJ Fanatics? Make sure to use this link and get 20% off any purchase, any time: http://bjjfanatics.refr.cc/jeffwhite. Filmed on location at Darkhorse Jiu Jitsu. Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarkHorseBjjMMA/ Like what you're seeing? Want to see more of the same? Make sure you wrist lock that "Like" button, pin down the "Subscribe" button, and also throat punch the bell icon to get notified every time we upload a new video. Intro Music: Music from https://filmmusic.io "Severe Tire Damage" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) #cheatcodejj #bjj #nogi
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about plan b sweep?
This video covers plan b sweep overview, plan b from bottom position setup, knee clamping and hip movement. It provides detailed instruction from Cheat Code Jiu Jitsu.
How long does it take to learn plan b sweep?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing plan b sweep?
Four key elements determine success from dog fight: using the opponent's backward momentum against them, maintaining a strong hip clamp to rotate the opponent's hips, blocking the posting space with the outside leg, and executing an explosive lift during the roll. All four components must work together to complete the sweep effectively.




