Three Types of Rolls

And What You Should Be Striving For...

When it comes to rolling/sparring, it’s important to understand what kind of round you’re going to have, and what that might mean for your intention and goal setting.

I don’t have the same goals for every round, but I do have some kind of intent with each one I do. And yes, sometimes, just having fun is a goal.

Photo by Cesar Millan on Unsplash

When You Are More Advanced

For those rounds where I’m the more advanced player, I utilize the parts of my game that need work or are in development. I approach these rounds like a scientist. This is where I can implement new techniques or transitions without the concern that the error will cost me the round.

So I might have decided that I want to add Reverse De La Riva to my guard game.

I’m not going to want to add that against someone who’s an A+ Guard Passer or more advanced than me. I find a White or maybe even a Blue Belt who understands passing, but isn’t enough of a threat to make the position unbearable for me.

This is my Research and Development time. I test theories, play with entries, and figure out what the right timing is for the technique.

When It’s Even

Those rounds where my training partner and I are roughly even, is where I play a lot of my A and even B game. Again, these might be techniques that I am really good with or techniques that I’m good with but still need more refinement. I’m not risking being put in a bad spot buy throwing out something that I haven’t tried before.

These rounds are for trimming the fat and sharpening my timing.

When They Are More Advanced

When you’re rolling with someone who’s far more advanced than you are, offense isn’t generally at your disposal. Often times, you’re struggling to keep up. You’re generally responding to and not imposing your game.

Defensive positioning becomes your area of focus.

This video would be a great example of a round where the skill gap is in my training partner’s favor. They controlled the pacing, where the round went, never letting me get to a dominant position.

When I’m More Advanced:

• Exploring new techniques/positions.

• Playing from a deficit.

When It’s Even:

• Utilizing my A or B Game.

• Sharpening my timing.

When They Are More Advanced:

• I use my A Game.

• Rely heavily on my defensive abilities.

• “Success” I measure in small wins.

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