How to Do the Plan B Sweep in BJJ
The Plan B sweep is the backup option when the old school sweep is defended. When the opponent whizzers to prevent the old school, you duck under their arm and come out the other side. This chains perfectly with the old school, making the two sweeps a powerful one-two combination.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Attempt the old school sweep and get blocked by the whizzer
- 2 Duck your head under their whizzer arm
- 3 Continue your momentum and come out the other side of their body
- 4 Use the duck-under to end up behind them
- 5 Secure back control or come up in top position
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Ducking under too early before they commit to the whizzer
- ⚠️ Not maintaining contact with their body during the duck-under
- ⚠️ Coming out too far and losing the position
- ⚠️ Not securing top position immediately after emerging
- ⚠️ Telegraphing the duck-under instead of disguising it as old school
🔄 Variations
- → To back take
- → To side control
- → From lockdown
- → With arm drag combo
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Do not commit too hard to the whizzer
- → Sprawl when they duck
- → Crossface to prevent the duck-under
- → Turn with them to face them
Track Your Plan B Sweep Progress
Log every time you practice the Plan B 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 Plan B Sweep? ▼
The Plan B 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 Plan B 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 Plan B Sweep? ▼
The Plan B Sweep is typically executed from half guard. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.