De La Riva Sweep

Quick Introduction

De La Riva (DLR) guard is a powerful open guard system where your outside leg hooks behind your opponent's near leg while controlling their other leg with your remaining limbs. From this position, you can execute multiple high-percentage sweeps including the classic overhead/balloon sweep, coming up to single leg, and ankle pick variations. DLR excels against standing opponents and creates entries to advanced positions like the berimbolo.

Position Overview

Type: Control-based sweeps using leg hooks and grip combinations

Station: Sweeps - Guard reversals

Achieved from: Open guard, seated guard, standing opponent scenarios, transitions from other guards

Leads to: Top position, single leg, back take opportunities, berimbolo entries

Points: 2 points when established for 3 seconds (IBJJF)

---

De La Riva Position Fundamentals

Understanding DLR Structure

Before sweeping, you must establish proper De La Riva guard:

Leg Configuration:

• Outside leg: Hook behind their near leg, foot to inside of their knee
• Inside leg: On their hip, knee, or bicep depending on variation
• DLR hook is the defining feature
• Creates rotational control
• Prevents them stepping back

Upper Body Grips (Classic):

• Far hand: Controls their opposite sleeve or collar
• Near hand: Controls their ankle/pant leg
• Or variations based on sweep choice
• Grips prevent posting and create angles
• Constant pulling pressure

Body Position:

• Often on your back or side
• Hip mobility essential
• Active guard, not passive
• Dynamic adjustments required
• Ready to invert or come up

---

Classic DLR Overhead/Balloon Sweep (Step by Step)

Overview

The overhead sweep (also called balloon sweep) elevates your opponent over you using your legs while pulling them forward with grips, causing them to fall forward over your head.

Execution Sequence

1. Establish DLR Guard Position

• Outside leg hooks behind their near leg
• Foot inside their knee, creating hook
• Inside foot on their hip or bicep
• Control their far sleeve/collar
• Control their near ankle
• Maintain constant tension

2. Create Forward Pressure

• Pull their sleeve/collar forward and down
• Pull their ankle toward you
• Push their hip with inside foot
• Break their posture forward
• Load weight onto your hooks
• Make them heavy and off-balance

3. Elevate with Legs

• DLR hook lifts their leg
• Inside leg pushes up on hip/bicep
• Both legs extend simultaneously
• Create upward and forward motion
• Like launching them over you
• Explosive leg extension

4. Pull with Grips

• Pull sleeve/collar over your head
• Guide their direction
• Pull ankle/pant leg through
• Direct them forward
• Prevent posting hands
• Control their rotation

5. Invert Under Them

• Bring your hips back
• Head goes back toward mat
• Invert your body
• They go over you
• Maintain control throughout
• Follow the sweep direction

6. Come Up to Top Position

• Roll through the sweep
• Come up immediately
• Often land in back position
• Or land in side control
• Maintain grip control
• Secure points for sweep

---

Single Leg Entry Sweep (Step by Step)

Overview

From DLR, you come up to standing or kneeling, establishing a single leg position, then finish with traditional single leg takedown.

Execution Sequence

1. Establish DLR Position

• DLR hook in place
• Control their far sleeve
• Control their near ankle
• Inside foot active on hip
• Create tension

2. Off-Balance Them

• Pull sleeve to break posture
• Pull ankle to compromise base
• Push hip with inside foot
• Create instability
• Time when they're moving

3. Retract Inside Leg

• Remove inside leg from hip
• Bring knee to chest
• Prepare to post foot
• Keep DLR hook active
• Maintain upper grips

4. Come Up on Posted Foot

• Post inside foot on mat
• Drive up to kneeling or standing
• DLR hook becomes single leg
• Transition is smooth
• Keep ankle control

5. Establish Single Leg Position

• Now in single leg position
• Head on outside usually
• Both hands control the leg
• Shoulder pressure on thigh
• Classic single leg structure

6. Finish the Takedown

• Lift the leg
• Drive forward with shoulder
• Run the pipe or trip
• Take them to mat
• Land in top position
• Secure sweep points

---

Ankle Pick Variation (Step by Step)

Overview

Using DLR position to set up an ankle pick by controlling their far ankle and sweeping it while maintaining leg control.

Execution Sequence

1. Establish DLR with Specific Grips

• DLR hook in place
• Far hand grips their far ankle/pant leg
• Near hand controls their near sleeve or collar
• Inside foot on their hip
• Create pulling tension

2. Create Forward Movement

• Pull them forward with collar/sleeve
• Make them step
• Or make them heavy forward
• Time the ankle pick
• Read their weight shift

3. Execute Ankle Pick

• Pull their far ankle back and up
• Use far hand with explosive pull
• Like pulling rug from under them
• Time with their weight shift
• Simultaneous with other actions

4. Drive with Legs

• DLR hook lifts their near leg
• Inside foot pushes their hip
• Create rotational force
• Combine with ankle pick
• Multiple forces collapse base

5. Follow Through

• They fall to mat
• Come up immediately
• Establish top position
• Often land in side control
• Maintain controls
• Secure points

6. Complete the Sweep

• Pass their legs if needed
• Establish dominant position
• Heavy pressure
• Continue attacking
• Don't let them recover

---

Critical Details

DLR Hook Mechanics

Proper Hook Position:

• Leg hooks behind their near leg
• Foot comes to inside of their knee
• Creates rotational control
• Prevents them stepping back
• Active pressure, not passive

Hook Function:

• Controls their base
• Creates elevation point
• Prevents backward movement
• Enables rotational sweeps
• Foundation of entire system

Common Hook Mistakes:

• Too shallow, easily cleared
• No active pressure
• Wrong leg (inside instead of outside)
• Foot position incorrect
• Passive instead of active

Maintaining the Hook:

• Constant inward pressure
• Adjust as they move
• Don't let them clear it
• Re-establish if lost
• Most important element

Grip Variations and Strategy

Classic DLR Grips (Sleeve and Ankle):

• Far hand: Opposite sleeve
• Near hand: Near ankle
• Most common and reliable
• Controls both base points
• Good for beginners

Collar and Ankle:

• Far hand: Cross collar or same-side collar
• Near hand: Near ankle
• More control of posture
• Breaks them down better
• Good for overhead sweep

Belt Grip Variation:

• Far hand: Their belt
• Near hand: Near ankle
• Very strong control
• Common in competition
• Hard to defend

Two-on-One Sleeve:

• Both hands on far sleeve
• No ankle control
• Extremely strong pulling
• Specific sweep setups
• Advanced variation

No-Gi Adaptations:

• Ankle control even more critical
• Grabbing tricep or lat
• Underhook when possible
• Tighter, faster execution
• Same principles apply

Inside Leg Positioning

On the Hip:

• Most common position
• Controls their forward movement
• Push point for sweeps
• Easy to manage
• Good for learning

On the Bicep:

• Higher control point
• More control of upper body
• Better for overhead sweep
• Harder to maintain
• Advanced option

On the Knee:

• Lower control point
• Good for some entries
• Prevents them kneeling
• Less common
• Situational use

Foot on Collar:

• Very high control
• Breaks posture extremely
• Advanced technique
• Competition level
• Requires flexibility

---

Important Observations (General Rules)

Core Principles

1. 🎯 DLR hook is mandatory - Without hook, not DLR guard
2. 💪 Active hook pressure - Passive hook gets cleared
3. ⏱️ Grips prevent posting - No grip control = failed sweeps
4. 🔄 Multiple sweep options - Read and choose
5. 🎮 Dynamic position - Constant adjustment required

Connection to Theories

Applying core principles:

• Leverage: Legs control their base structure
• Off-Balancing: Removing stability points
• Rotational Control: DLR hook creates rotation
• Grip Superiority: Controlling their limbs
• Directional Forcing: Sweeps in multiple directions

Applying body reading concepts:

• Base Analysis: Reading their stability
• Weight Distribution: Timing when forward
• Posture Recognition: Broken posture = sweep opportunity
• Movement Patterns: Anticipating defenses

Common Mistakes

⚠️ Shallow DLR hook - Easily cleared by opponent

• ✅ Fix: Deep hook with foot to inside of knee

⚠️ No ankle control - They can step and pass

• ✅ Fix: Maintain ankle grip throughout

⚠️ Passive guard - Just holding position

• ✅ Fix: Constant attacking pressure

⚠️ Wrong leg hooked - Inside leg as DLR hook

• ✅ Fix: Outside leg must be the DLR hook

⚠️ No follow-through - Sweeping but not coming up

• ✅ Fix: Complete motion to top position

⚠️ Flat on back - No hip mobility

• ✅ Fix: Active hips, ready to move

⚠️ Weak grips - Can't control upper body

• ✅ Fix: Establish strong grips before sweep

---

🎓 Training Progressions

Solo Drills

Drill 1: DLR Hook Motion (20 reps each side)

• Practice DLR hook placement
• Hook in, hook out movements
• Build muscle memory
• Foot positioning
• Active pressure simulation

Drill 2: Hip Mobility for DLR (10 reps each direction)

• From DLR position simulate sweeps
• Practice inverting motion
• Hip rotation exercises
• Build flexibility
• Essential for overhead sweep

Drill 3: Complete Sweep Simulation (10 reps each sweep)

• Visualize opponent
• Execute full sweep motion
• Practice coming up to top
• Build coordination
• Mental rehearsal

Partner Drills

Level 1: Cooperative (No Resistance)

• Partner standing in your DLR
• Practice all three sweeps 10 times each
• Partner allows sweep
• Focus: Perfect mechanics
• Land in strong position

Key Coaching Points:

• Is DLR hook deep and active?
• Is ankle control maintained?
• For overhead: Good inversion?
• For single leg: Smooth standup?
• For ankle pick: Timing correct?

Level 2: Light Resistance (25%)

• Partner maintains base lightly
• Partner keeps some posture
• Must create proper setup
• Execute with technique
• 10 reps each sweep

Key Coaching Points:

• Creating off-balance
• Timing execution
• Dealing with defense
• Maintaining hook under pressure

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

• Start in DLR guard
• You can sweep, they can pass
• Partner defends realistically
• Practice reading situations
• 3-minute rounds

Key Coaching Points:

• Choosing right sweep
• Recovering if sweep fails
• Transitioning between sweeps
• Guard retention

Level 4: Live Application (100%)

• Regular rolling
• Hunt for DLR opportunities
• Apply sweeps appropriately
• Full resistance context

Key Coaching Points:

• Entries from standing
• Success rate tracking
• Combination awareness
• Adapting to different opponents

Common Setup Drills

Drill 1: Standing Opponent to DLR Sweep

1. Partner standing, you seated
2. Establish DLR immediately
3. Execute overhead sweep
4. Complete to top position
5. 10 reps each side
6. Most common entry scenario

Drill 2: DLR Sweep Chain

1. Attempt overhead sweep
2. If defended, try single leg entry
3. If defended, try ankle pick
4. Continuous flow for 5 minutes
5. Teaches adaptability
6. Multiple attack system

Drill 3: DLR to X-Guard Transition

1. Establish DLR position
2. If sweeps defended
3. Transition to X-Guard
4. Execute X-Guard sweep
5. Connected guard system
6. Guard retention principle

See X-Guard sweeps

Progression Timeline

Following training methods:

• Week 1-2: Learn DLR position and hook
• Week 3-4: Master overhead sweep
• Week 5-6: Add single leg entry
• Week 7-8: Add ankle pick and variations
• Month 3-6: Live application and combinations
• Month 6+: High-percentage system with berimbolo entries

---

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Can't Maintain DLR Hook

Possible Causes & Solutions:

Issue 1: Hook too shallow

• Solution: Get foot deeper, to inside of knee
• Solution: Active inward pressure
• Solution: Readjust constantly

Issue 2: No ankle control

• Solution: Control their ankle prevents stepping
• Solution: Two hands if necessary
• Solution: Don't let ankle grip break

Issue 3: They're clearing it easily

• Solution: Inside foot also controlling
• Solution: Better grip control
• Solution: Faster attack after establishing

Issue 4: Wrong technique

• Solution: Review position with instructor
• Solution: Watch high-level DLR players
• Solution: More drilling needed

Problem: Overhead Sweep Not Working

Solutions:

1. Create more forward pressure first
2. Explosive leg extension required
3. Invert your hips more
4. Pull grips harder
5. Practice inversion flexibility
6. May need better initial setup

Problem: Can't Come Up to Single Leg

Solutions:

1. Better posting mechanics
2. Remove inside leg smoothly
3. Keep DLR hook as you stand
4. Explosive standup motion
5. Practice standup separately
6. Maintain ankle control

Problem: Ankle Pick Has No Effect

Solutions:

1. Time with their weight shift
2. More explosive pull on ankle
3. Combine with DLR hook lifting
4. Create forward movement first
5. Pull back AND up, not just back
6. Practice timing extensively

Problem: They Pass Before Sweep

Solutions:

1. Faster attack after establishing
2. Better guard retention
3. Don't telegraph sweep
4. Transition to X-Guard
5. Recover guard if needed
6. More positional sparring

Problem: Get Swept but Don't Get Top

Solutions:

1. Follow momentum completely
2. Come up immediately with sweep
3. Maintain grips throughout
4. Don't pause in middle
5. Practice completion specifically
6. Build explosive standup

---

🔄 Attack Chains & Combinations

DLR Overhead Sweep → Back Take

Complete Sequence:

1. Establish DLR guard
2. Execute overhead sweep
3. Invert under them
4. Come up to back position
5. Secure hooks and control

Strategic Value:

• Direct path to back (4 points)
• Multiple submission options
• High-value position
• Common competition finish
• Very high percentage

Connection to Berimbolo:

• Overhead sweep mechanics similar
• Same inversion movement
• Can flow to berimbolo entry
• Advanced development path
• Competition level technique

DLR Single Leg → Takedown → Pass

Complete Flow:

1. DLR guard established
2. Come up to single leg
3. Finish single leg takedown
4. Immediately pass guard
5. Establish side control

Point Scoring:

• 2 points for sweep
• 3 points for pass
• Total 5-point swing
• Very efficient
• Competition strategy

Failed Overhead → X-Guard Sweep

When Sweep Defended:

1. Attempt overhead sweep
2. They defend by sprawling
3. Adjust legs to X-Guard
4. Execute X-Guard sweep instead
5. Continuous attacking

Guard Connection:

• DLR and X-Guard related
• Similar leg positions
• Smooth transitions
• Complete bottom system
• Guard retention

See X-Guard techniques

DLR → Berimbolo Entry

Advanced Development:

• Overhead sweep mechanics
• Add additional rotation
• Roll under to back
• Advanced competition technique
• Purple belt and above

Note on Berimbolo:

• Legitimate competition technique
• Some debate on "traditional" BJJ
• Extremely effective when legal
• Requires extensive drilling
• Specialized skill development
• Not detailed here (mention only)

Ankle Pick → Failed → Single Leg

Chain Flow:

1. Attempt ankle pick sweep
2. They defend by stepping
3. Their step creates single leg opening
4. Come up to single leg position
5. Finish takedown

Combination Thinking:

• One sweep sets up next
• Never return to neutral
• Constant pressure
• Offensive continuity
• Competition mindset

---

💡 Advanced Concepts

Reading Which Sweep to Use

Overhead Sweep When:

• They're leaning forward
• Good for inverting
• Want back position
• Setting up berimbolo
• Have good flexibility

Single Leg Entry When:

• They're more upright
• You're comfortable standing
• Want more control
• Traditional wrestling background
• Conservative approach

Ankle Pick When:

• They step frequently
• Timing their movement
• Have strong far grip
• Quick opportunistic sweep
• Reaction-based

Switching Mid-Attempt:

• Read their defense
• Flow between options
• Advanced skill
• Experience required
• Training pays off

Grip Fighting from DLR

Priority Grips:

1. DLR hook (most important)
2. Ankle control (second priority)
3. Far sleeve/collar (third priority)

• Establish in order
• Maintain all three
• Fight when broken

Preventing Their Grips:

• Don't let them grab your DLR leg
• Block their hands
• Active guard movement
• Attack before they settle
• Proactive defense

Recovering Lost Grips:

• Re-establish systematically
• Hook first, then ankle
• May need to transition guards
• Don't force bad position
• Reset if necessary

Competition Strategy

Point Scoring:

• 2 points for sweep
• Often leads to back or pass
• Additional 3-4 points possible
• Very efficient position
• High-value sweeps

Tactical Application:

• Excellent vs standing passers
• Neutralizes size/strength
• Works entire match
• Multiple sweep options
• Versatile competition tool

Strategic Positioning:

• Offensive guard
• Forces reactions
• Controls engagement distance
• Creates scrambles
• Multiple paths to victory

No-Gi Specific Adjustments

Key Differences:

• Ankle control even more critical
• Faster pace overall
• Less friction for control
• More explosive movements
• Sweat complicates grips

Adaptations:

• Tighter hook pressure
• Two hands on ankle often
• Faster execution
• Wrestling integration
• Body lock variations
• Practice extensively

Against Different Body Types

Against Taller Opponents:

• Single leg very effective
• Their height is weakness
• Good DLR position
• Easy hook establishment
• Excellent matchup

Against Shorter Opponents:

• Overhead sweep better
• Harder to get under
• Ankle picks effective
• Adjust positioning
• Still functional

Against Heavy Opponents:

• Use weight against them
• Overhead sweep momentum
• Perfect technique required
• Timing critical
• Very effective

Against Flexible Opponents:

• Harder to break posture
• Need stronger grips
• Faster execution
• More commitment needed
• Multiple attempts

---

🎯 Belt-Level Expectations

White Belt Goals

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

• Understand DLR guard structure (Month 10-12)
• Basic DLR hook placement
• Simple overhead sweep
• Recognition when position available
• Fundamentals of open guard

Blue Belt Development

Referenced in Skill Progression:

• All three sweep variations
• Multiple entries to DLR
• Combination with X-Guard
• Consistent application in rolling
• No-gi proficiency
• Teaching white belts
• Competition application

Purple Belt Mastery

• High-percentage competition weapon
• Advanced berimbolo entries
• Seamless guard transitions
• Reading which sweep to use
• Works against higher belts
• Complete DLR system
• Leg lock integration (where legal)
• Teaching advanced concepts

---

🎯 Next Steps

After understanding DLR sweep fundamentals:

1. Master the hook → DLR hook is the foundation
2. Perfect overhead sweep → Most dynamic option
3. Add single leg entry → Wrestling integration
4. Learn ankle pick timing → Opportunistic attacks
5. Study berimbolo → Advanced development (purple+)
6. Combine with X-Guard → Complete open guard system

0%0 / 0 completed

🔗 Related Resources

Position Prerequisites

• Guard System Overview - Understanding guard philosophy
• Open Guard Concepts - The guard vs pass battle
• Butterfly Guard - Related guard position

Combination Techniques

• X-Guard Sweep - Connected guard system
• Butterfly Sweep - Alternative guard
• Scissor Sweep - Closed guard option
• Flower Sweep - Different guard sweep
• Sweeps Overview - All sweep techniques

Resulting Positions

• Back Mount - From overhead sweep
• Side Control - From ankle pick
• Knee on Belly - Alternative finish

Theoretical Foundation

• Principles & Theories - Leverage and rotation
• Body Reading - Balance analysis
• Training Methods - How to practice effectively
• Technical Training Rhythms - Drilling structure

Progress Tracking

• Beginner's Journey - Month 10-12 open guards
• Skill Progression - Blue belt open guard mastery
• Drills - Guard-specific training routines
• Quick Reference - Gym-ready cheat sheets