Alias · Sweeps
Balloon sweep
Also known as Overhead Sweep — the canonical term used on this site.
Floating-overhead image for the overhead sweep
Balloon sweep is a descriptive name for the overhead sweep — “balloon” naming the floating, overhead arc the opponent travels.
Etymology. “Balloon” likens the opponent being lifted overhead to a balloon floating up and over; “sweep” names the reversal. The image foregrounds the high, weightless-looking trajectory of the throw.
Mechanics. The sweep destabilises the opponent up and over their own base: the legs elevate them until their weight passes the point of balance, and once past it they continue overhead under their own momentum, the bottom player having only to direct the fall rather than press them the whole way.
Cross-reference. “Push sweep” is a sibling alias. Full mechanical coverage on Overhead Sweep.