The omoplata is a shoulder lock applied from guard that creates a dilemma: they must tap or roll, and when they roll, you get a sweep. This dual threat makes the omoplata one of the most versatile attacks in closed and open guard.
The omoplata traps their arm between your hips and leg while you sit perpendicular to their body. Your leg across their back and your hip pressure on their elbow creates the shoulder lock.
Control one of their arms, break their posture, and swing your leg over the trapped arm to establish the omoplata position. Sit up and hip out to finish.
From spider guard lasso, swing your leg over the lassoed arm. This creates the omoplata without breaking guard first.
Drive your hips forward and down while gripping their belt. Prevent them from rolling by holding their belt and pressing your free hand on their back.
When they roll forward to escape, follow them and end in a top position. Control their arm throughout the roll to prevent guard recovery.
If they posture up while you're setting up the omoplata, transition directly to a triangle choke. The hip-out position creates a natural triangle entry angle.
Roll forward (surrender the position for posture), or reach with your free hand to block their hip movement before they complete the sit-up.
See also: Kimura System, Americana Guide, Omoplata Basics, Triangle Choke Guide