Half guard is the position between guard and being passed. It is a battleground where small adjustments make huge differences. Master half guard and you have a path to sweep, submit, or recover full guard from seemingly bad positions.
What Is Half Guard?
Half guard is when you have one of your opponent is legs trapped between your legs. You are halfway between full guard and being passed – thus the name.
Types of Half Guard
Traditional Half Guard
Head on chest, controlling the trapped leg. Basic but effective when done right.
Z-Guard (Knee Shield)
Top knee creates frame against opponent is hip. Popular in modern BJJ for creating space.
Deep Half Guard
You are underneath opponent, controlling their leg deeply. Good for sweeping but risky if opponent knows counters.
Lockdown
Both legs entwine the trapped leg. Eddie Bravo system, very controlling but requires specific knowledge.
Sweeps from Half Guard
Old School Sweep
- Underhook their far arm
- Grab their ankle
- Drive forward while pulling leg
- Come to top position
Plan B Sweep
- When they whizzer your underhook
- Grab their far ankle
- Lift and roll underneath
- End in mount or side control
Deep Half Sweep
- Get deep under their hips
- Grab belt or far hip
- Roll toward their back
- Come to dog fight or top
Submissions from Half Guard
Kimura
Attack the arm on the same side as your head. Underhook, control wrist, figure-four grip.
Back Take
Underhook deep, threaten sweep, they defend by turning – take the back.
Leg Locks
In no-gi, half guard often leads to leg entanglements. Knee bars, heel hooks, and ankle locks available.
Passing Half Guard (Top Player)
Knee Cut Pass
- Free knee slides across their thigh
- Underhook their head
- Drive forward to side control
Back Step Pass
- Step back leg over their head
- Clear their legs
- Settle in side control or mount
Flat Pass
- Drop weight, flatten them
- Clear the knee shield if present
- Walk to side control
Common Mistakes
Bottom Player Mistakes
- Flat on back (no leverage)
- No underhook (they will flatten you)
- Staying in half guard too long
- Not threatening sweeps
Top Player Mistakes
- Leaving leg trapped too long
- No pressure
- Ignoring the underhook
- Rushing the pass
Drills to Improve
Half Guard Sweep Drill
Start in half guard, sweep, reset. Focus on underhook and hip movement.
Passing Drill
Partner plays half guard, you pass. Practice different passes against different half guard types.
Key Concepts
The Underhook Battle
Whoever has the underhook has the advantage. Fight for it relentlessly.
Hip Angle
Being on your side creates space and options. Flat on back means you are losing.
Constant Threats
Always threaten sweep or submission. If you are just holding on, you will get passed.
Bottom Line
Half guard is not a temporary position to escape – it is an active guard with real attacks. Embrace it, learn the sweeps and submissions, and you will turn what looks like a bad position into an offensive opportunity.