De La Riva Guard
Outside hook guard that controls the lead leg — a modern staple for sweeps, back takes, and berimbolo entries.
Overview
De La Riva (DLR) guard wraps the outside of the opponent’s lead leg with your hook while you control the ankle or collar. It disrupts passing angles and creates some of the most popular modern sweeps and back takes in sport BJJ.
Position Flow
How to Enter
- Insert hook when passer controls one ankle in open guard
- Transition from reverse DLR when they switch lead legs
- Recover from half guard when knee line is lost
How to Exit
- Sit-up sweep when passer posts the same-side hand
- Back take when they turn away from hook pressure
- Berimbolo and leg entanglement entries (advanced)
Key Controls
- Outside hook behind the knee with active foot
- Ankle or pant grip on the hooked leg
- Collar or sleeve grip to break posture and off-balance
Vulnerabilities
- Leg drag when hook is shallow
- Back step passes when grips are loose
- Smash pass when both legs are pinned together
Ideal When
You want to off-balance a standing or kneeling passer and attack modern sweeps against leg-heavy passing.
OffenseOffense
Goals
- Control the lead leg and break passer balance
- Create angles for sweeps and back exposure
Key Techniques
- DLR sit-up sweep
- Back take when passer turns
- Transition to single-leg X
Pro Tips
- Keep hook active — a dead hook gets passed
- Grip the ankle low and pull toward your hip
- Combine DLR with collar control for gi attacks
Common Mistakes
- Flat hips with no angle on the hook
- Reaching for berimbolo before establishing control
DefenseDefense
Goals
- Clear the hook before committing to a pass direction
- Control the DLR hand before circling
Key Techniques
- Leg drag to smash pass
- X-pass when hook is on one leg only
- Back step when they invert
Pro Tips
- Pin the hook leg to the mat before passing
- Post on the collar to prevent sit-up sweeps
Common Mistakes
- Passing with an active outside hook unaddressed
- Standing upright within sweep range
Variations
Reverse DLRDLR with lapelDLR to X-guard
Key Concepts
- Hook plus ankle control creates off-balance
- Angle beats strength in modern guard
- DLR connects open guard to leg entanglements
Recommended Drills
- Hook insertion and retention vs leg drag
- DLR sit-up sweep to back take chains
- Passer vs DLR guard positional sparring
Related Techniques
Summary
De La Riva is modern open guard 101. Active outside hook, ankle control, and angle — then sweep or take the back before the pass settles.