Become Fighter
Dumps and sweeps from the plum: Muay Thai guide
Taking the opponent to the floor legally and safely.
A dump is the strongest scoring action in the Thai clinch. The opponent lands on their back and you stay on your feet. Sweeps and trips are legal in most Thai rule sets, but slams and throws on the head are not.
Everything here is done on mats with a coach. Control the landing, and never let go of a partner mid-fall. A good dump is a twist and a push, not a lift.
Key points
- Break the balance before the sweep, always.
- Turn the shoulders and hips together in the direction of the sweep.
- Sweep the foot that carries weight, not the free one.
- Keep a hand on the head or the arm through the fall.
- Land beside them in a stance, not on top of them.
- Half speed in training and a clear tap rule.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Falling with them. Stay on your feet. Land in a stance, not on top.
- Lifting. A dump is a rotation. If you lift, you lose your base.
- Letting go early. Keep a hand on them for a safe landing.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Advanced clinch module of Muay Thai foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Advanced clinch
- Off-balancing from the plum: Muay Thai guide
- Knee entries and combinations: Muay Thai guide
- Framing out and clinch exits: Muay Thai guide
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.