3 Most Common BJJ Shrimping Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Why Shrimping Matters in BJJ and MMA Grappling

Shrimping, also known as the hip escape or granby roll setup, is a foundational movement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and essential for many grappling scenarios in MMA, wrestling, and submission grappling. It allows you to create space from the top position, recover guard, or escape bad spots like mount or side control. Whether you're a beginner rolling in the gym or a seasoned fighter prepping for competition, perfecting your shrimp can make or break your defense.

Stephan Kesting, a renowned BJJ black belt and founder of Grapplearts, has drilled this technique with thousands of students worldwide. In his analysis, he identifies three prevalent mistakes that hinder progress and leave grapplers vulnerable. By addressing these, you'll boost your efficiency, speed, and overall game. Let's dive into each one, with fixes and drills to integrate into your training—perfect for BJJ gis, no-gi rash guards, or MMA shorts from premium gear like those at Apollo MMA.

Mistake #1: Failing to Rotate Your Knee Downward Enough

One of the biggest culprits in sloppy shrimping is not fully committing to knee rotation. Many practitioners keep their knee pointing straight up or outward, which limits hip mobility and fails to drive the hips away effectively.

Why This Happens

• Beginners often prioritize speed over form, mimicking what they've seen in highlights without understanding biomechanics.
• Tension in the hips or lack of flexibility leads to half-hearted turns.
• In live rolling, adrenaline causes rushed movements without full rotation.

The Fix: Full Knee-to-Mat Rotation

• Start on your side in a bridged position (like escaping side control). Post your bottom elbow inside your opponent's armpit for a strong frame.
• As you shrimp, actively drive your top knee toward the mat. Imagine screwing your hip down—your knee should nearly kiss the ground.
• This unlocks your hip joint, allowing a powerful lateral slide. Your bottom leg stays straight initially, then bridges to propel you away.

Drill It Out

• Solo Drill: Lie on your back, knees bent. Shrimp side to side, focusing on knee-down rotation. Do 20 reps per side, slow and controlled.
• Partner Drill: Have a training partner apply light pressure in side control. Shrimp out 10 times per side, emphasizing the knee turn. Add resistance gradually.
• MMA Application: In no-gi or MMA, this prevents takedown finishes. Pair it with underhooks for wrestling scrambles.

Mistake #2: Pushing with the Incorrect Leg

Another frequent error is using the wrong leg to generate power. Too often, students push off the posted leg (the bottom one closer to the opponent) instead of the free leg (the top one).

The Problem Exposed

• Pushing with the posted leg keeps your hips pinned, as it doesn't create separation.
• This stems from instinct—feeling trapped and shoving whatever's available.
• Result? Minimal distance gained, and you tire out faster in prolonged grapples.

Correct Execution: Power from the Free Leg

• The posted leg acts as a pivot point or brake. The free leg (top knee rotated down) does the pushing.
• Explode by driving the ball of your free foot into the mat, extending the leg fully to shove your hips sideways.
• Timing: Bridge first, then shrimp—combine upward and lateral force.

Pro Tips and Progressions

• Wall Drill: Back against a wall, partner kneels in guard pass position. Shrimp away using only free-leg push. 15 reps/side.
• Shadow Shrimping: No partner needed—practice chaining shrimps into guard recovery or elbow escape setups.
• Competition Relevance: In BJJ tourneys or MMA rounds, this saves energy. Think Jon Jones using hip escapes to reverse positions against grapplers.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Proper Framing

Framing is your lifeline in shrimping, yet it's often the most overlooked. Without solid frames, your opponent collapses space as you move, negating the escape.

Common Framing Flaws

• Weak elbow or forearm placement—no deep post into the armpit or neck.
• Hands too close to your body, allowing cross-facing.
• Frames that bend under pressure instead of staying rigid.

Build Bulletproof Frames

• Primary Frame: Bottom elbow jams into opponent's armpit; forearm across their neck or shoulder.
• Secondary Frame: Use your free hand to block their far hip or knee, preventing pass-throughs.
• Keep elbows tight to your ribs initially, then extend for control.

Integrated Drills

• Frame and Shrimp Combo: Partner in top side control. Set frame, bridge, shrimp. Repeat until frames hold under increasing pressure.
• Flow Rolling: Light rolling focusing only on shrimping with frames. 5-minute rounds.
• Cross-Training Bonus: Boxers and Muay Thai fighters benefit—strong frames transition to clinch defense against takedowns.

Advanced Variations and Common Pitfalls

Once basics click, evolve your shrimp:

• Upa Shrimp: For mount escapes—bridge higher, knee down deeper.


• No-Gi Adjustments: Rely more on underhooks; slicks surfaces demand precise foot placement.


• Pitfalls to Avoid: Don't arch your back excessively (strains spine), telegraph by looking away, or neglect breathing (leads to gassing).

Full Routine for Mastery

Gear That Supports Your Shrimping Game

Quality equipment enhances training:

• Rash Guards & Spats: Wick sweat, prevent mat burns on hips.


• Gis: Reinforced knees for durability in rotational stress.


• Knee Pads: Cushion impacts during partner work.

Final Thoughts: Drill Smart, Shrimp Strong

Fixing these shrimping mistakes transforms your bottom game from reactive to proactive. Stephan Kesting's insights, honed over decades, prove that details win mats. Incorporate these into every session, track progress via video self-analysis, and watch sweeps, guard recoveries, and escapes improve across BJJ, MMA, and wrestling.

Stay consistent—elite grapplers like Gordon Ryan didn't build dynasties on sloppy hips. Head to your local gym or home setup today and start shrimping right!

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