Sparring Tracking Basics

Introduction to the tally mark system: Attempted, Successfully landed, Defended.

Why Track Sparring in Detail?

Sparring is where you test your techniques against resistance. But without tracking, you're missing valuable data about what's actually working in your game.

Most students have a general sense of how sparring went - "I got tapped a lot" or "I felt pretty good today." That's not actionable. Detailed tracking transforms vague feelings into specific insights.

The A/S/D System

This system tracks three categories for each technique type:

How It Works

During or after each sparring round, mark tallies for each category.

Example - One Round:

Submissions:  A: III  S: I   D: II
Sweeps:       A: II   S: I   D: -
Passes:       A: I    S: 0   D: -

This tells you:

• You attempted 3 submissions, landed 1, defended 2
• You attempted 2 sweeps, landed 1
• You attempted 1 pass, didn't complete it

What to Track

Core Categories

At minimum, track these three:

Submissions

• Attempted: You attacked a submission
• Succeeded: You got the tap
• Defended: You escaped or prevented their submission

Sweeps

• Attempted: You tried to reverse from bottom
• Succeeded: You ended up on top
• Defended: Not typically tracked (they're trying to pass, not sweep you)

Passes

• Attempted: You tried to get past their guard
• Succeeded: You established a dominant position
• Defended: Not typically tracked

Optional Categories

As you get comfortable, you might add:

• Takedowns (A/S/D)
• Back Takes (A/S)
• Escapes (specific positions)

Start with the core three. Add more only when basic tracking feels automatic.

When to Mark Tallies

You have two options:

Option 1: During Rounds (Advanced)

Some students make quick marks between exchanges or during rest moments. This is most accurate but can disrupt your flow.

Option 2: After Each Round (Recommended)

Take 30 seconds between rounds to mark your tallies while it's fresh. This is the balance most students prefer.

Option 3: After All Sparring

Write everything down once sparring is over. Less accurate but better than nothing.

Defining "Attempted"

The trickiest part of tracking is deciding what counts as an "attempt."

Too Loose Definition

"I thought about doing an armbar" - No, that's not an attempt.

Too Strict Definition

"I had it fully locked in but they escaped" - Yes, that counts.

Good Rule of Thumb

An attempt = You committed to the technique

• You broke posture and went for the submission (not just controlled)
• You loaded the sweep and tried to execute (not just set up)
• You engaged their legs to pass (not just stood in their guard)

When in doubt, count it. Over time, your definition will become consistent.

Dealing with Transitions

BJJ isn't always clean. Things flow together. How do you count attempts in scrambles?

One Technique, Multiple Attempts

If you try an armbar, they defend, you adjust and try again - that's 2 attempts, not 1.

Chained Attacks

Triangle → Armbar → Omoplata from the same position = 3 attempts (each was a committed attack).

Scramble Submissions

You lock something up during a scramble = 1 attempt. Whether it counts as "succeeded" depends on if they tapped.

Starting Point vs. Ending Point

For sweeps and passes, success is about where you end up:

Sweep Succeeded:

• You were on bottom
• Now you're on top in a stable position

Pass Succeeded:

• You were in their guard
• Now you've established side control, mount, or past their legs

A sweep that puts you in their guard isn't really succeeded - you're back in the middle.

Sample Tracking

Here's what a complete sparring session might look like:

Round 1 - Jake (Blue Belt)

Subs: A: 2  S: 0  D: 1
Sweeps: A: 1  S: 1  D: -
Passes: A: 0  S: 0  D: -

Round 2 - Maria (Purple Belt)

Subs: A: 1  S: 0  D: 2
Sweeps: A: 2  S: 0  D: -
Passes: A: 1  S: 0  D: -

Round 3 - Newer White Belt

Subs: A: 3  S: 2  D: 0
Sweeps: A: 1  S: 1  D: -
Passes: A: 2  S: 2  D: -

Session Total:

Subs: A: 6  S: 2  D: 3
Sweeps: A: 4  S: 2  D: -
Passes: A: 3  S: 2  D: -

Building the Habit

In Week 2, focus on:

1. Marking tallies after every round (even rough estimates)
2. Getting comfortable with the A/S/D categories
3. Not overthinking what counts as an attempt

Accuracy improves with practice. Your first few sessions of tracking will feel awkward. That's normal.

Next Step

In the next lesson, you'll learn how to use the dedicated Sparring Log worksheet for more detailed round-by-round tracking.