Become Fighter
Sweeping the standing leg: Muay Thai guide
Turn the caught kick into a fall.
A sweep after the catch is a scoring move. The opponent hops on one leg and you take it out. In a ring this is a legal and well-rewarded action when it follows a catch.
Learn it on mats and with a coach. The partner lands on their back or hip, so control matters. Sweep with your leg kicking their standing ankle or knee from the inside, pushing the held leg across.
Key points
- The sweep follows a clean catch. No catch, no sweep.
- Step slightly to the outside of their standing foot.
- Kick the inside of the standing ankle with your instep. It is a push, not a stomp.
- Push the held leg across their body as the base goes.
- Hold on to the leg until they are down. Then step back.
- Coach and mats only. Practise at half speed.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Sweeping with no catch. Only after a clean catch. A free leg means they can kick you back.
- Stomping on the knee. Aim at the ankle with an instep push. Never the knee or the joint.
- Dropping the leg before the sweep lands. Hold until they are falling. Early release lets them recover.
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 Catching and countering module of Muay Thai foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Catching and countering
- Catching the body kick: Muay Thai guide
- Teep counters: Muay Thai guide
- Counter kicking after a check: 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.