Flower Sweep (Pendulum): Complete BJJ Breakdown

The Flower Sweep is one of BJJ’s simplest yet effective sweeps. It allows you to attain Full Mount quickly, giving you the advantage in the fight. As you should know, finishing from the Full Mount isn’t as difficult as in other positions, such as Closed and Open Guard.

Typically, you’ll perform the Pendulum/Flower Sweep from the Closed Guard. But we’ll review a few variations that you want to know. Familiarizing yourself with as many techniques as possible, including variations of the same move, allows you to become a more dynamic fighter.

How can being more dynamic help you?

Being more dynamic is a cornerstone of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You’ll know more entries and techniques, primarily allowing you to defend against them. However, it’ll also assist you in attacking wisely and, more often, skyrocketing your win-loss ratio.

Well, this is what this article will help you accomplish. It’ll first allow you to familiarize yourself with as many variants as possible. But we’ll also break down one of these variants into its step-by-step components.

We’ll explain the minor details related to it. As a result, you’d be able to optimize your execution, thus, getting it successful more often.

So let’s now dive into the first part, its variants:

Flower Sweep Variations

Let’s start discussing the different variations of the Flower Sweep. Although you might think that knowing one is better, this is only partly true.

Mastering one might be better than trying to master all the variations we’ll review. However, simply knowing as many variants as possible—will help you (1) use them if you’d like and (2) defend against them.

So reading this article and choosing one variant to master—is your best bet.

Alright. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

#1 – Flower Sweep From Closed Guard

The first variant is also the one we’ll break down in the upcoming part of the article. But let’s stick to the basics for now, as I also want to review other variants.

You want to start in Closed Guard to perform this Flower Sweep. But, eventually, most of what you’ll see today will begin in the same position. That’s because this sweep allows you to transition into the Full Mount by flipping yourself and your training partner. As a result, it’s most effective when it starts from this position.

This is why this variant is, perhaps, the most effective one as well. So focusing and mastering this one—is what I recommend you do. And still, review all the other ones to see if another one catches your eye.

Here’s how to perform the Flower Sweep From Closed Guard:

1. Start in Closed Guard
2. Grab the opponent’s left wrist
3. Place your hand on the opponent’s right leg
4. Wrap your left leg around his back
5. Plant your right leg on the mat (for leverage)
6. Push the opponent sideways using your left leg
7. Let go of the wrist grip
8. Lean on your shoulder
9. Keep the opponent as tightly into you as possible
10. Flip the opponent
11. Attain Full Mount
12. Release leg grip

Let’s now review the 2nd one.

#2 – Pendulum Sweep From Closed Guard

The Pendulum Sweep is slightly different from the Flower Sweep. That’s why I decided to include them in the same article. Because of that, we’ll break down both sweeps in the same part.

So now, let’s examine how to perform the Pendulum Sweep from the Closed Guard position. Likewise, we’ll review common mistakes novice grapplers make when trying to go for this sweep.

So let’s dive into the steps:

1. Start in Closed Guard
2. Flex your side oblique
3. Pull your right hand under his hamstrings
4. Grab his hamstrings
5. Open your Closed Guard
6. Slide your right leg up
7. Push the right leg forward
8. Drive your hips sideways
9. Attain Full Mount

The primary mistake grapplers make here is not isolating the opponent’s right hand (if you’re sweeping to the left.) Or, not doing the same with his left leg if you’re sweeping to the right.

You want to disable the opponent’s ability to post and counter your attack. So this is why you want to emphasize this isolation.

As you can see, it’s slightly more complicated than the previous variant. Nonetheless, both are fairly straightforward, and you want to learn them both.

#3 – Flower Sweep to Armbar

You can go for many techniques and finishing moves from the Flower and Pendulum Sweeps. For now, however, we want to go a bit more specific into one finishing move that doesn’t involve attaining Full Mount.

This will surprise the opponent because you’ll finish the sweep quickly and effectively, making you more likely to win the fight.

Here’s how you perform the Flower Sweep to the Armbar

1. Start in Closed Guard
2. Grab the opponent’s sleeve
3. Grab the opponent’s pants
4. Kick the opponent with your leg close to the armpit (sideway)
5. Wait for the opponent to post
6. Hook his posting arm
7. Hook the opponent’s back of the neck
8. Attack the isolated arm (belly down)
9. Finish the Armbar

Notice the difference between the 2nd and 3rd variations. This is because we isolated the opponent’s arm in the 2nd variation, ensuring the opponent couldn’t post.

On this variant, however, we rely on the opponent posting up. Consequently, you want to avoid isolating the arm to ensure you can then attack the posted arm, which will be free to attack.

#4 – Flower Sweep to Straight Arm Lock

The last variation we’ll review in this article is the Flower Sweep to Straight Arm Lock. Now it’s different from the last one that went into the Armbar. So it’ll be worth it to take the time to learn both.

So let’s see how it’s done:

1. Start in Closed Guard
2. Grab the opponent’s wrist
3. Grab the opponent’s left leg (as low as possible)
4. Bridge your left leg
5. Kick the opponent’s sideways
6. Pull his left leg sideways (wide to the side)
7. Your bottom leg sweeps under and lock his hand
8. Apply pressure
9. Wait for the tap

Another option you have is to keep the sweep going and transition into the classy Straight Arm Lock from the top. However, you can also finish the fight after you kick the opponent to the side and post with your leg.

Here’s how it looks:

How to: Flower Sweep (Pendulum Sweep)

So, fellas, we’ve reached the fun part of this article. That is a complete step-by-step breakdown of the first variation we’ve reviewed.

But before we jump in, I want to emphasize the importance of learning many techniques and mastering and optimizing your use of a few.

Try to answer the following question: which BJJ fighter will be more successful – A fighter who knows few techniques but mastered all of them or another who learned many moves and techniques but doesn’t have a good hold on them?

Eventually, a balance is critical here and will give you the best results. You want to familiarize yourself with many techniques while mastering just a few.

And this is what this part of the article will do to you.

Step #1 – Start in Closed Guard

The first step is to start in the Closed Guard position. If you’re unfamiliar with the Closed Guard Position. or want to optimize your use of it, follow this link.

I will mention a few things you want to remember when in this position. However, there’s so much to cover about it that following the link will be your best shot.

Anyways, you want to control the opponent by using your legs and breaking his posture. The first part is to lock your legs to ensure your training partner can’t escape.

The second part here is to break the opponent’s posture often. You see, the more control you have, the better your chances of winning the fight.

That’s why you must intentionally try to intimidate the opponent and threaten with your offensive moves. While breaking his posture is unnecessary in this instance, it can help you set it up.

Step #2 – Grab the opponent’s left wrist

The 2nd step is to grab the opponent’s left wrist using your right hand. This is the first point of contact in this sweep.

You want to grip tightly, as you’ll use this grip later to gain more leverage. Remember, you’re about to flip someone (perhaps bigger than you) upside down. As a result, you’ll need power and momentum to get this right.

Step #3 – Place your hand on the opponent’s right leg

You want to place your other hand (left) on the opponent’s right leg. It’ll be best to grab it firmly, as it’ll help you gain more control.

The 4th variation of the Flower Sweep we reviewed calls for you to grab the leg at the bottom. However, it’s unnecessary here. What this grip does here is—give you another contact point to apply force, allowing you to flip the opponent with ease.

Step #4 – Wrap your left leg around his back

Alright, so you have 2 contact points. We want to increase it to 3 while getting more leverage.

Now remember, you’re in the Closed Guard position. You deliberately get out of it to set this sweep up. You’re essentially giving up control right now for much more in the future (in the form of being in Full Mount.)

Wrapping your left leg around your partner’s back is the next step. This will allow you to leverage more momentum when you go for the sweep itself.

Step #5 – Plant your right leg on the mat (for leverage)

The 5th step is to plant your right leg on the mat. You have your left leg (or should have, at least) wrapped around his back.

We’ll apply side pressure to flip the opponent in the upcoming steps. Thus, we want to plant our right leg on the mat to help us leverage more force.

Think about it – Where would you be able to apply more pressure, when your leg is on the mat or in the air? The first is the correct answer.

Step #6 – Push the opponent sideways using your left leg

Now that you have all contact points with the opponent and the mat, you want to push the opponent sideways using your left leg. Your right leg should be on the mat, giving you more leverage.

So utilize it to apply more side pressure.

You want to flip the opponent sideways by pushing him and using your hands (although it might be unnecessary. So make sure to use all the tools in your toolbox.

Step #7 – Let go of the wrist grip

So now that you have flipped the opponent sideways, you can release your wrist grip, as it no longer serves you.

This grip has no worthwhile alternative so that you can advance to the next step.

Step #8 – Lean on your shoulder

You want to lean on your shoulder before you advance to the final move of this sweep. That’ll allow you more leverage to finish the move itself.

When you perform it in real-time, it shouldn’t take more than half a second. You want this to flow naturally, making it more likely to succeed.

Step #9 – Keep the opponent as tightly into you as possible

Before going for the final flip, ensure the opponent is tight to you. Remember, you still have contact points with him. For instance, you still have your leg wrapped around his back.

Utilize your contact points to keep him stuck. Pull him toward you if needed, and apply more pressure before you go for the final take.

Step #10 – Flip the opponent

The final step of this sweep is to flip the opponent. Again, using all your contact points, such as your hand (that grips the leg) and both your legs—is your best shot.

By the way, you cannot fully flip the opponent and gain the upper hand in the fight if the opponent isn’t close to you.

Thus, ensure you don’t skip the 9th step.

Step #11 – Attain Full Mount

And now, attaining the Full Mount is your finishing blow. But, of course, nothing stops you on your way to victory once you can do that.

Not only are you in the superior position, but you’re also in momentum and flow. So you can use that to finish the fight quickly by going for a submission, such as Americana, Guillotine Choke, or even the Triangle Choke. Going for a leg lock is another viable option.

Step #12 – Release leg grip

You can now release the leg grip, just to be precise.

What’s the Difference Between the Flower and Pendulum Sweep?

The primary difference between the Flower Sweep and the Pendulum Sweep is that the first is a defensive move and the latter offensive. You have to go under the opponent’s hips and grab his hamstrings to perform the Pendulum Sweep, which is not a part of the Flower Sweep.

Final Words

This has been the Flower and the Pendulum Sweeps. You want to start focusing on learning as much as possible regarding these sweeps to ensure you expand your knowledge base as widely as possible.

The more you know, the better grappler you’ll become.

However, you also want to focus on specific variations and master them. Remember, the balance between quantity and quality has to be done to explode your progression rate and gain more results in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The Flower Sweep isn’t the best sweep in BJJ. Follow this link to read about BJJ’s best sweeps you must learn to call yourself a grappler.

And here are other articles you’d enjoy reading:
Mastering the Elevator Sweep in BJJ – Guide

Scissor Sweep 101 – BJJ Technique Breakdown

Lumberjack Sweep 101: How to Perform & Master

Butterfly Sweep 101: BJJ Complete Breakdown