What comes next from closed guard, top player standing
The bottom player still has their ankles locked, but the top player has stood up inside the guard. Neither player is ahead. The top player wants to open the legs, and the bottom player wants to sweep.
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Learn the position itself: Closed Guard in the library ›
If you are the standing
Good Works well with the right setup.
- Open the guard: knee in, push the leg down
Pin one hip with a hand and push their knee down with the other. When the ankles open, step back.
Leads to open guard › - Step back and break with pressure
Push your hips forward, then step back. Their crossed ankles cannot hold your full body weight.
Leads to open guard › - Stand tall and keep base
Bend your knees, keep your back straight and one hand on their chest. Take your time.
You stay in this position.
Mistake Avoid this: it usually makes things worse.
- Bend over and reach for their legs
Bending over while you stand puts your weight forward. They can sweep you and take your arm at the same time.
Usually goes wrong. Choose a better option above.
If you are the guard player
Good Works well with the right setup.
- Open your guard early, feet on the hips
Open your legs yourself and put your feet on their hips. You choose when the guard opens, so you keep control.
Leads to open guard › - Hip push sweep
With your feet on their hips, pull them off balance and push. They fall back, and you come up on top.
Leads to open guard › - Underhook the leg and come up (lumberjack)
Grab behind one ankle and sit up into them (the lumberjack sweep). They fall, and you come up on top in half guard.
Leads to half guard, smashed › - Grip their sleeves and keep the guard closed
Hold both of their sleeves and keep your ankles locked. They cannot use their hands to open your legs.
You stay in this position.
Risky Can work, but often goes wrong.
- Armbar as they stand
If they stand with one arm straight, you can try an armbar. It usually fails, and they stack you (drive their weight down onto you).
Ends the match if it works: a submission.
Mistake Avoid this: it usually makes things worse.
- Hang on with your legs
Keeping your ankles locked only delays things. They will open your legs, and you will have no grips when they do.
Usually goes wrong. Choose a better option above.
Train it on the Path
The What a guard is unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.
The Path goes in order: start free from lesson one and you reach What a guard is on the way. With Rolla Plus you can jump straight here.