Penelope Sweep
De la Riva / inverted-style sweep that off-balances a standing passer and rotates them over the near hook into top position.
From De La Riva / Open GuardTo Top / Side Control
Overview
The Penelope sweep is an open-guard reversal commonly built from de la Riva or related inverted structures. By controlling a sleeve or ankle, keeping the near hook honest, and rotating under their base, you tip the standing passer over and come up on top. It chains naturally with waiter’s and berimbolo threats.
#Build the Hook
Own the lead leg and a grip.
- Establish de la Riva or a related near hook
- Secure sleeve, collar, or ankle control
- Place the far foot to manage posture
- Feel their weight settle on the hooked leg
#Rotate and Tip
- Off-balance toward the hooked side
- Rotate under their base while keeping the hook and grip
- Guide their shoulders toward the mat
- Stay connected through the tip
#Come Up Top
Finish standing over them or in a pin.
- Follow to side control or a stable top position
- Clear immediate re-guard attempts
- Establish cross-face/underhook
- Only then hunt submissions
Key Grips & Control Points
- Sleeve, collar, or ankle control on the near side
- De la Riva hook (or related near hook) deep behind the lead leg
- Far foot posting on the hip or mat to steer
- Shoulder mobility ready if the entry inverts
Timing & Movement Cues
- Sweep when their weight settles on the hooked leg
- Rotate as they try to clear the DLR hook standing
- Come up the moment their shoulders hit or near the mat
Pressure & Weight Distribution
- Keep the near hook until the rotation commits
- Pull the upper-body grip through the tip — do not let go early
- Follow to a pin; the sweep is not done from your back
Typical Counters to Expect
- Heavy base and early hook clears
- Toreando that yanks you off the near leg
- Backstep passes when the far foot is lazy
Follow-Up Options
- Side control after a clean tip
- Berimbolo / back take if they turn away mid-sweep
- Waiter’s sweep if they step over a raised hook
Setups & Entries
- Classic de la Riva with strong sleeve control
- Inverted retention that reattaches a near hook
- Fake berimbolo to load the hooked leg
Training Drills
- DLR to Penelope rotation with cooperative standing partners
- Penelope to side-control consolidations
- Chain rounds with waiter’s and berimbolo exits
Coaching Notes
- Hook depth and grip integrity decide the sweep
- Rotate under the base — do not yank from a flat back
- Have a back-take exit when they turn
Related Study
Connect this movement with complementary positions and attacks.
Summary
Penelope sweeps tip a standing passer from de la Riva-style hooks by rotating under their base. Keep the near hook and grip, finish on top, and chain to waiter’s or berimbolo when they adjust.