### Description The Balloon Sweep, also known as the Balloon Sweep from the Butterfly Guard, is a dynamic and visually impressive sweeping technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). This technique utilizes the motion and momentum generated by your legs to effectively off-balance and sweep your opponent, usually executed from the Butterfly Guard. ### Step-by-Step Instructions #### Position: Butterfly Guard 1. **Starting Position:** - Begin from the butterfly guard, where your legs are positioned like a butterfly. - Both of your shins should be against your opponent's inner thighs. - Secure a strong grip: one hand grips your opponent's collar, and the other grips their sleeve. 2. **Create an Angle:** - While maintaining your grip, adjust your position slightly to an angle, shifting your hips to one side. This alignment will aid in your sweeping motion. 3. **Engage the Hook:** - On the side you've angled towards, insert your hook deeply beneath your opponent's thigh. Your foot should be flat against their thigh. 4. **Lift with Momentum:** - Pull your opponent forward, using your grip on the collar to bring them closer. - Simultaneously, sit back slightly while extending your lifting hook upwards. This extension should replace the work your arms would need to do in traditional lifting. 5. **Add Rotation with Your Arms:** - Use your sleeve grip to guide your opponent to the side of your lift. - Your collar hand should continue lifting upwards and providing directional force to control their posture and balance. 6. **Complete the Sweep:** - Towards the peak of your lifting motion, rotate your opponent over your shoulder. - At this point, transfer your momentum to your free leg, driving it down while successively rotating your upper body. 7. **Secure the Top Position:** - As your opponent flips over your upward hook, guide them gently to land on their back. - Transition by following through and coming up on top, typically allowing you to settle into a strong side control or mount position. ### Pro-tips - Maintain constant control with grips; this allows for smoother execution and transition. - Practice angling your hips to generate a more effective lift when initiating the sweep. - Focus on the timing of extending your hook with arm rotation for optimal efficiency. ### Safety Considerations - Ensure proper space for practicing as momentum may carry your partner into nearby persons or objects. - Communicate with your partner to perform the technique smoothly and safely. ### Additional Notes The Balloon Sweep is a high-risk yet rewarding move in any grappler's arsenal. Its success hinges on creating sufficient off-balance and understanding the rhythm and flow of the guard position. --