How to Improve a Half Guard

In mixed martial arts, and other types of fighting with fewer rules, half guard refers to a defensive position where one combatant is laying atop the other while the one on the bottom has a single leg of the top combatant wrapped and immobilized. A successful half guard not only means guarding against giving the opponent control, but also being active in threatening to either get into full guard, stand or switch to a mount.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your legs active. Being lazy or unaware of the legs makes it easier for the opponent to remove the trapped leg and break the guard. Similarly, prevent the opponent from crossing ankles by using your outside foot to hook the opponent's leg and the rest of your leg to pull the opponent's other leg closer to you.

    • 2

      Refrain from going flat on your back. Lying flat decreases mobility and increases the placement of the opponent's weight. This also keeps the opponent from establishing a balance and settling into a half mount position.

    • 3

      Place your top arm on the opponent's neck. This pushes the opponent's chest away and applies pressure, making it uncomfortable for your opponent to maintain position.

    • 4

      Lower your head under your opponent. In this position, it's difficult for your opponent to control your head, which in turn makes it more difficult for your opponent to balance and settle. This increases the opportunity for offensive positions.

    • 5

      Raise your legs to your chest. Similar to getting lower under the opponent, this brings the opponent higher and brings the opponent's legs, feet and ankles into position for a number of offensive moves. This can only be done if the opponent doesn't have a solid grip or arm clamp to maintain position.