2 Sweeps to a Healthier Half Guard

The half guard is a position that I’ve been trying to get better at for many years. A lot of people shy away from it because it may seem like the half guard is an inferior position to the full guard – like it’s halfway to getting passed. I like to look at it the other way around. The half guard is one step closer to getting side or back control. Either way, it’s a position that every grappler should be proficient in because it’s a very common situation to be in.

The key to success from this position is understanding that there is no single “magic bullet” sweep. It’s the ability to combine several options run in succession based on your opponent’s reactions that makes a good half guard player. So, knowing a series of sweeps and the proper times to use them is where you should begin.

A few points for half guard success:

• Underhooks: at a minimum, you’ll need the underhook on the same side as the half guard.
• Don’t let your opponent control your head: tuck your head close to his chest so he can’t crossface you. Alternatively, use your non-underhooking arm to keep his chest and arm from controlling your head.
• Don’t be flat on your back. Always be a little on your side so you’re not directly under your oppoent.
• Get good at switching your half guard legs so that as you attempt sweeps, your opponent can’t pop his leg out and into side control.

Old School

This sweep is demonstrated here with the “lockdown” but the sweep can be accomplished without it.

Other half guard sweeps can be built off of how your opponent reacts to the Old School sweep. If he pushes his weight into you to stop Old School, go with it and sweep to the other side.

Timing the execution of these two sweeps as your opponent adjusts his weight is tricky, but is much more effective than trying for one sweep over and over.

Here’s a fantastic video that includes lots of other (more advanced) options based on what your opponent might try to do. Focus on the techniques and try not to be distracted by the fact that the instructor looks a lot like Bobby Hill.

Happy half guarding!