Tripod Sweep

Also known as: Ankle Grab Sweep · Push-Pull Sweep

Against a standing opponent: hook one ankle, push the opposite hip with your foot, and take out the tripod’s third leg. They sit down; you stand up into passing.

Sweep · Gi & No-gi · Difficulty 1/5 · Usually learned at White belt

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

The details that make it work

1. One hand cups their heel, same-side foot goes to their hip, other foot hooks behind their far knee.
2. Push the hip and pull the knee at the same moment — their base needs all three points.
3. Technical stand-up IMMEDIATELY; the sweep is only worth the top position you take after it.

Where it goes wrong

• Sweeping and admiring it from your back instead of standing straight into the pass.

How opponents counter it

• Step the hooked leg back out of range
• Base wide and strip the heel grip

Is the Tripod 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

• Sickle Sweep
• De La Riva Sweep
• Shin-to-Shin to Single Leg X

All moves from Open Guard · Back to Grapplepedia