Sickle Sweep

Also known as: Hook Sweep (standing) · Reverse Tripod

The tripod sweep’s twin for when they angle away: your calf chops behind their far ankle while your other foot pushes the same-side hip — they fall the other direction.

Sweep · Gi & No-gi · Difficulty 2/5 · Usually learned at White belt

Starts from Open Guard as the guard player → lands in Open Guard.

The details that make it work

1. Same heel grip as the tripod; the difference is your chopping leg swings OUTSIDE to reap behind their far ankle.
2. Push the hip on the grip side; they fall away from you toward their unhooked corner.
3. Chain it with the tripod: whichever way they shift their weight, one of the pair is there.

Where it goes wrong

• Chopping at the calf instead of down at the ankle, where the leverage is.

How opponents counter it

• Circle the free leg away from the reap
• Drop to combat base before the chop

Is the Sickle Sweep legal in competition?

Legal in all major rulesets at all levels (IBJJF, ADCC, sub-only). Rules change — always confirm against the current official rulebook for your event.

Related techniques

• Tripod Sweep
• De La Riva Sweep
• X-Guard Sweep

All moves from Open Guard · Back to Grapplepedia