How, why and when.
Those right there are the best types of questions to ask.
Bam.
End of post.
Not clear enough? Alright. Here’s what I mean. How explores the mechanics. Why delves into the concepts. And when hones in on the timing.
Frankly, asking those three questions about any technique is an easy way to identify areas that can be improved on.
Case in point:
The hip bump sweep was one of the first sweeps I ever learned from the closed guard. It’s considered to be a fundamental technique. Early on, though, I struggled to hit it against anyone who wasn’t brand new to pajama wrestling.
What changed?
First, I realized that the goal was to spin my opponent like a top rather than knock them back (how).
Second, I noticed that as I sat up connecting my armpit to my opponent’s shoulder created the perfect condition for establishing strong control of my opponent’s arm (how).
Third, the ezekiel choke became my bread and butter for a few years, so sweeping from closed guard to mount was no different than checking the king in chess for me (why).
Fourth, in the past, guys had frustrated me by posturing back up after I worked hard to be break them down and eventually I noticed that that was the perfect movement to hit the sweep. It worked like gangbusters (why and when).
And that process of analysis and improvement can be applied to anything.
If you’re curious about the timing that goes into improving the hip bump sweep though, a breakdown is on this video: