Lead Sweep
Defence · Lead side (Orthodox left, Southpaw right)
Sweep the standing leg with your lead leg, typically off a caught kick.
How to throw it
With the opponent's kick caught or their weight on one leg, hook or scoop your lead leg into the back of their standing leg and drive it out from under them while steering their upper body the other way. Time the sweep for the instant their weight is committed and there is nothing to plant on. Stay balanced over your own base so you take the leg out without going down with them.
When to use it
The classic use is off a caught kick: with the opponent trapped on one leg, sweep the support leg to dump them to the mat and score. It also lands when they are stepping in and momentarily light on the standing foot.
Common mistakes
- Sweeping while their weight is still evenly planted, so the leg does not move.
- Only kicking the leg without redirecting their upper body, letting them hop and recover.
- Overcommitting and losing your own balance so you fall with them instead of standing over the score.