Student Objectives:
The student will apply the Plan B Sweep on a partner using a Whizzer from the Half Guard position with good technique.
The student will develop effective timing and pathways to dynamically apply the Plan B Sweep.
Teaching Cues:
Underhook and Frame
Partner Overhooks
Grip the Framed Knee
Pinch with the Ribs
Roll Them Over
Lesson: Plan B Sweep from Half Guard
The practicing student will start in the Half Guard position by laying on their side with their chest facing the assisting student. The assisting student will place one leg in between the practicing student’s legs with the knee on the floor. They will then place one hand on either side of the assisting student’s torso with their chest lightly touching the top shoulder and ribcage of the practicing student. The practicing student will then enter into a standard Half Guard position with the Underhook.
The practicing student’s top arm will pass through the armpit of the assisting student and make a grip on the far side of the assisting student’s back. The practicing student will then use the other arm to frame the far knee by using the palm to push the inside of the far knee away. Lastly, the practicing student will firmly press their ear against the assisting student’s navel to prevent the Crossface and allow easier access to the space under the assisting student.
The assisting student will then apply the Overhook (Whizzer) by reaching over the practicing student’s Underhook and placing the forearm between the bodies. The hand of the overhooking arm should be wedged deep between both student’s chests with the hand being pulled up close towards the chin/neck of the practicing student. The exact placement of the hand will vary depending on the goals of the assisting student, however in all instances the hand is between the bodies with a firm pressure controlling the practicing student’s arm to prevent a pathway to the back.
To execute the Plan B Sweep the practicing student will maintain a firm grip on the assisting student’s leg with the Half Guard while taking a grip on the pants of the assisting student’s far knee (in the same place that it was framed). Next, the practicing student will emphasize a strong squeezing pressure, first with the underhooking arm and then by pinching the ribs against the student’s forearm. The pressure of the ribs pressing against the forearm should trap the assisting student’s forearm against their own ribs and help prevent an easy removal of the arm.
Next the practicing student will slide their hips and buttocks across the floor making a large sweeping motion with the hips. It is important to stay tight on both the leg trapped in Half Guard, and the pinch of the ribs into the forearm. This should remove the assisting student’s ability to rebase and create a strong sweep over the Overhook and the leg trapped in Half Guard.
Once on top there are various acceptable controls, but in all instances they should fight to stay on top.
Possible Extensions:
Plan B can be executed throughout many different Half Guard Sweeps. The cue that student’s are looking for is a strong commitment to the Overhook to prevent the transition to the back. It is common to play the Plan B Sweep off of the basic Half Guard Underhook to the back.
Keep in mind that even with the best pinch of the body into the assisting student’s forearm sometimes the assisting student will be able to pull their arm out and rebase to prevent the roll over. In this instance the practicing student should immediately work towards taking the back with the Underhook. This can be a repeated battle where the Overhook is placed to prevent the back take, then repositioned to stop the roll, then reinserted to try and prevent the back take. Knowing that this may be a back and forth transition that takes multiple applications of both techniques can alleviate some of the anxiety about the success or failure of the sweep.
Plan B can also be applied from an elevated position. Often when the practicing student tries to apply the Knee Tap associated with the Old School technique, the assisting student will begin to elevate. This elevation typically involves a posting on the outside foot rather than keeping the knee on the floor. This makes the Knee Tap version almost impossible. However, it does open the door to a really dynamic Plan B that can be difficult to stop.
The posting of the outside foot allows the assisting student to apply inward pressure with the Overhook. The practicing student should also elevate off of their posted elbow to a posted hand with their hand being far enough away from the assisting student that they can’t scoop it and control it, or have it chopped out from under them. Their leg should still attempt to keep the hook in the Half Guard, but the Knee should be flared very similar to the Underhook to the Back Lesson Plan.
The timing on the execution of the Plan B will be important. Typically, the assisting student’s hips are high and the Overhook will be very aggressive. The practicing student should use that aggressive inward pressure to fuel the Plan B. This can be done by exaggerating the pinching of the ribs and then simultaneously reaching for the far thigh with the posted hand and rolling to their back under the assisting student. This movement, combined with the aggressive inward pressure of the assisting student creates a strong trapping of the arm and a dynamic roll over.
Possible Refinements:
When making the grip on the assisting student’s far knee, make sure that grip is palm up. This tucks the elbow and will allow for a smoother and stronger transition to the top during and after the roll.
This technique requires commitment in order to work. Make sure the practicing student is reaching far across to the assisting students far leg with the intent of sliding their back all the way under the hips of the assisting student. If the practicing student does not commit to the movement they will be returned to the mat, with poor body angle and may find recovering into a positive Half Guard difficult.
Commonly students will try to trap the arm by pinching with their elbow and tricep. This leads to a weaker underhook and gives an aggressive opponent the opportunity to rip their arm out. To get an increased pinch have the practicing student emphasize a hip to hip movement first and then a squeeze with the underhook second.
Reference materials:
Teaching Reflections:
How did I do teaching?
What could I do better next time?
Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?