Single Leg from Open Guard

Single Leg from Open Guard is a sweep that puts the bottom player on top built around a handful of repeatable controls. The bottom player is engaging from open guard or butterfly and the opponent posts on a knee or steps in within reach. Another common starting shape: bottom player is seated in a De La Riva or single-leg-X style open guard, with hooks and grips engaged on the standing opponent's lead leg and sleeve. The ideas that hold it together are off-balance first, then thread the legs, ankle grip closes the trap, and head position on single leg.

The single leg chain is a sequence of small controls, not one athletic burst. Slide the bottom leg behind the opponent's knee while loading the top hook. Secure the ankle grip before extending the legs. Tuck the head and shoulders under the opponent's hip to anchor the entry. Bail on the seated guard and elevate the hips while collecting the opponent's leg with both arms. Drive the head into the opponent's hip and step the back foot forward to establish a finishing stance on top. Force the partner to step forward by threatening to bring their hands to the mat. Frame on the far shoulder before reaching to prevent a crossface. Reach under the calf, not the knee, to deny a knee drop. The bottom player has threaded both legs into single leg X around the opponent's near leg, with grips on the ankle established.

Later in the single leg, elevation from seated guard, chain from sweep to takedown, and leg capture tend to decide whether the position stays on track. Watch for these mistakes: Trying to enter without first elevating or off-balancing the opponent. Sliding under without ankle control, allowing easy escape. Leaving the head on the outside of the captured leg, which exposes the neck to a guillotine. Standing up without first off-balancing the opponent so the leg comes free without resistance. The high-percentage version of single leg from open guard is the one you can still chain when the top player posts or re-bases.