How to Do the De La Riva Overhead Sweep in BJJ
The DLR overhead sweep uses the De La Riva hook combined with a belt or collar grip to throw the opponent directly overhead. By extending the DLR hook while pulling with the grips, you launch them over your head and follow to top position. It is effective against opponents who lean forward.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 From DLR guard, grip the belt or back of the collar and far sleeve
- 2 Load their weight onto your DLR hook by pulling them forward
- 3 Extend the DLR hook overhead while pulling with your grips
- 4 The opponent sails over your head and lands on their back
- 5 Follow the roll to land in top position or mount
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Not loading weight onto the hook before the throw
- ⚠️ Grips not strong enough to pull them overhead
- ⚠️ DLR hook not positioned correctly for the overhead direction
- ⚠️ Not following through the roll to top position
- ⚠️ Attempting when opponent is leaning backward
🔄 Variations
- → With belt grip
- → With collar grip
- → To back take
- → Tomoe nage entry
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Do not lean forward in DLR
- → Strip the belt or collar grip
- → Base wide and low
- → Pressure the DLR hook side knee down
Track Your De La Riva Overhead Sweep Progress
Log every time you practice the De La Riva Overhead Sweep and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Sweeps
View all →Scissor Sweep
The scissor sweep is one of the first sweeps taught in BJJ. From closed guard, you use your legs in ...
Hip Bump Sweep
The hip bump sweep capitalizes on an opponent who sits back with good posture in your guard. You use...
Flower Sweep
The flower sweep (pendulum sweep) uses a big pendulum motion with your leg to generate momentum and ...
Butterfly Sweep
The butterfly sweep is the fundamental attack from butterfly guard. Using your hooks and an underhoo...
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the De La Riva Overhead Sweep? ▼
The De La Riva Overhead Sweep is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The De La Riva Overhead Sweep works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the De La Riva Overhead Sweep? ▼
The De La Riva Overhead Sweep is typically executed from de la riva. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.