How to Do the Push Sweep from Open Guard in BJJ
The push sweep from open guard is a fundamental sweep where you push the opponent's knees or hips away with your feet while controlling their upper body with your grips. The opposing forces between your feet pushing and hands pulling create an effective off-balance that works at all levels of grappling.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Control the opponent's sleeves or collar from open guard
- 2 Place both feet on their hips or thighs
- 3 Push their lower body away with your legs while pulling their upper body toward you
- 4 The opposing forces collapse their base
- 5 Follow them to top position as they fall
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Pushing and pulling at different times instead of simultaneously
- ⚠️ Feet positioned too low on the legs for effective pushing
- ⚠️ Grips not strong enough to pull the upper body
- ⚠️ Not following to top position immediately after the sweep
- ⚠️ Pushing too hard and creating distance without the sweep
🔄 Variations
- → With collar and sleeve grips
- → Single leg push sweep
- → To technical standup
- → Push sweep to leg drag
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Grab the feet and remove them
- → Base wide and low
- → Strip the grips before the feet are placed
- → Pressure forward past the feet
Track Your Push Sweep from Open Guard Progress
Log every time you practice the Push Sweep from Open Guard and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Push Sweep from Open Guard? ▼
The Push Sweep from Open Guard is typically introduced at the white belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. The beginning of the BJJ journey. Focus on survival, basic positions, and fundamental movements.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Push Sweep from Open Guard 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 Push Sweep from Open Guard? ▼
The Push Sweep from Open Guard is typically executed from open guard. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.