What comes next from half guard with an underhook
The bottom player is on their side in half guard with a deep underhook (an arm under the armpit). The bottom player is a little ahead and wants to come up and sweep. The top player wants to flatten the bottom player again.
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Learn the position itself: Half Guard in the library ›
If you are the top
Good Works well with the right setup.
- Whizzer, crossface, flatten
Wrap your arm over their underhook (a whizzer), push the crossface and drive their shoulders back to the mat.
Leads to half guard, smashed › - Back step pass
Step your leg over to the other side of their body. Their underhook now points the wrong way, and you pass for 3 points.
Leads to side control › - Limp arm out and posture
Relax your arm and pull it out of the underhook, then sit back. They are now in knee shield half guard, which is better for you.
Leads to knee shield half guard › - Settle your weight and breathe
Keep your hips heavy and your hands calm. Wait for them to make a mistake.
You stay in this position.
Risky Can work, but often goes wrong.
- Kimura trap on the underhook arm
Their underhook arm is open, so lock a kimura grip on it. You must do it before they come up.
Ends the match if it works: a submission.
Mistake Avoid this: it usually makes things worse.
- Reach back to defend the sweep
Reaching back to stop the sweep turns your back to them. They can climb behind you.
Usually goes wrong. Choose a better option above.
If you are the guard player
Best The choice that works most often here.
- Old school sweep
Keep the underhook, grab their far ankle and drive up to your knees. They cannot post on that leg, so they fall, and you score 2 points.
Leads to side control ›
Good Works well with the right setup.
- Dogfight to the back
Come up to your knees with a deep underhook (the dogfight position) and step behind them. Back control is worth 4 points.
Leads to back control › - Roll under (plan B)
If they push down hard on your underhook, roll under them instead of going over. You come up on top.
Leads to mount › - Keep the underhook, stay on your side
Hold the underhook and stay on your side. The sweep is close, so keep what you have.
You stay in this position.
Mistake Avoid this: it usually makes things worse.
- Lie back down and wait
Lying back down gives away your underhook. You are flat again.
Usually goes wrong. Choose a better option above.
Train it on the Path
The Half guard unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.
Half guard is part of the Purple belt, included in Rolla Plus. Start free with Foundations and the white belt.