How to Do the Sickle Sweep in BJJ
The sickle sweep works against a standing opponent. You hook behind their leg with your leg and sweep them laterally, like a sickle cutting wheat.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Hook behind their far leg with your leg
- 2 Control their near sleeve or collar
- 3 Push their near knee with your foot
- 4 Sweep them sideways with the hook
- 5 Come up to top position
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Hook not deep enough
- ⚠️ Not controlling upper body
- ⚠️ Sweeping wrong direction
- ⚠️ Not pushing the near knee
- ⚠️ Staying on back after sweep
🔄 Variations
- → Tripod to sickle combo
- → From De La Riva
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Step over the hook
- → Backstep
- → Disengage and pass
Track Your Sickle Sweep Progress
Log every time you practice the Sickle 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 Sickle Sweep? ▼
The Sickle Sweep 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 Sickle 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 Sickle Sweep? ▼
The Sickle Sweep 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.