Rasteira
A capoeira sweep in which the leg travels in a circle close to the ground and pulls the opponent's leg out; typically used as a counterattack.
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Rasteira is a capoeira sweep: the leg travels close to the ground in a circular or semicircular motion and pulls the opponent's leg away, throwing them off balance. It can be performed standing or in a crouch. Four main types are distinguished: rasteira do chão from the ground, rasteira em pé standing, rasteira de costas with the back, and rasteira com mão with the hand. The Portuguese Wikipedia calls it one of the most important techniques of the game, one that many consider the best weapon available. The English Wikipedia mentions it as a typical counterattack after evading a standing kick, specifically against meia lua de frente and chapa de costas. Rasteira turns the attacker's force and confidence against them: the more committed the opponent is to an attack, for example the armada kick, the harder they fall. Timing therefore matters: it is easier against a player only starting an attack than one already fully committed. Among capoeira sweeps, sources group it together with tesoura, arrastão, boca de calça and vingativa. Who introduced the technique, we have not been able to document.