Introduction to the Tripod Sweep

The tripod sweep is a fundamental open guard technique taught to beginners in most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs. While the basic mechanics are simple, advanced practitioners add critical details that elevate effectiveness against high-level competitors.

Basic Tripod Sweep Mechanics

The fundamental tripod sweep begins with the defender placing their heel on the opponent's hip while grabbing the opponent's foot. The defender then places their other foot behind the opponent's leg and executes a simultaneous push with the foot and pull with the arm to complete the sweep.

Creating Initial Stickiness on the Foot

The first critical detail involves establishing firm control of the opponent's foot immediately upon capture. This is accomplished by either wedging the opponent's ankle between the defender's thigh and arm, or by positioning the defender's hips over the opponent's shoelaces to prevent the opponent from rotating and escaping the foot trap.

Foot Placement and Leverage Considerations

When placing the foot to trap the opponent's leg, the defender can grab anywhere from behind the hamstring down to the ankle. Gripping by the ankle provides greater mechanical leverage but allows the opponent more opportunity to step out, while gripping higher near the hamstring reduces the opponent's escape options.

Preventing the Base-Out Defense

The most common defense against the tripod sweep is the opponent stepping out with their free leg to establish a base. To counter this, the defender must elevate the opponent's trapped foot off the ground, forcing the opponent to hop while remaining vulnerable to the sweep.

Immediate Control After the Sweep

Upon successfully sweeping the opponent to their back, the defender should immediately extend their leg and shelf the opponent's leg to prevent escape. This creates two options for the opponent: attempting to stand square or turning away, both of which position the defender advantageously.

Back Control Transition

If the opponent turns away while being shelved, they expose their back to the defender. This transition from sweep to back control attack sequence represents a strong follow-up when the opponent chooses to escape toward their stomach rather than stand square.

Leg Attack Entries as Backup Options

When the defender cannot establish top position immediately after the sweep, they can transition into leg attack entries. The defender can attack either the far leg or near leg as the opponent attempts to escape, creating a multi-option position that controls the opponent's next movement.

Hidden Details In The BJJ Tripod Sweep (Open Guard) That You Have Never Seen Before by Gordon Ryan

Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics

Standard Tripod Sweep

2 min read·8 key moments·PT7M33S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to the Tripod Sweep
•Basic Tripod Sweep Mechanics
•Creating Initial Stickiness on the Foot
•Foot Placement and Leverage Considerations

Hidden Details In The BJJ Tripod Sweep (Open Guard) That You Have Never Seen Before by Gordon Ryan - Click Here To Check Out Gordon Ryan's Instructional Videos - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/fighter_GORDON-RYAN - In this BJJ Techniques video, Gordon Ryan teaches the Tripod Sweep hidden details you probably are unaware of. Knowing these details will dramatically increase your success with the tripod sweep. - "Bernardo Faria is a 5x World Champion. Bernardo started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil at the age of 14 in 2001. After receiving the Black Belt from his first instructor Ricardo Marques in 2008, He moved to Sao Paulo to join BJJ legend Fabio Gurgel and his Alliance team. After many years of training and winning many major titles, Bernardo moved to NYC in 2013 to train and teach at Marcelo Garcia Academy. In 2015 Bernardo achieved his dream of winning the IBJJF World Championship Open class title and his division, doing the double Gold and becoming the 1st in the IBJJF Ranking and also chosen as the best athlete of 2015. Bernardo Faria has now taken on the mission to share some of the lessons, techniques, experiences and more that he has learned along in his 16 years and counting as a BJJ student, teacher and world class competitor. Subscribe to his channel, and join him in this amazing BJJ Journey. We promise that you will also improve your BJJ with his awesome Video Lessons, Episodes of his "5 Minutes BJJ Talk" and more... www.fujisports.com - 15% OFF Coupon Code: FARIA15 www.bjjfanatics.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: YOUTUBEFARIA www.fujimats.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: FARIAMAT10 http://bernardofaria.com https://www.facebook.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://www.instagram.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://twitter.com/bernardofariajj

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard tripod sweep?

This video covers introduction to the tripod sweep, basic tripod sweep mechanics, creating initial stickiness on the foot. It provides detailed instruction from Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn standard tripod 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.