Half guard can be a very effective guard for BJJ practitioners, but it also provides opportunities to sweep your opponent. In this article, we will go over some of the essential half guard sweeps that you can add to your game.
The Basic Half Guard Sweep
The basic half guard sweep involves using your top leg to elevate your opponent and create space to come up on your knees. To perform this sweep, you need to control your opponent’s far arm and get onto your side. From here, use your top leg to push your opponent’s knee while pulling the far arm and coming up to your knees.
The Old School Sweep
The old school sweep is a classic half guard sweep that works well when your opponent is trying to pass your guard. Start by controlling your opponent’s far arm and getting onto your side. Use your bottom leg to hook your opponent’s leg while reaching for their collar with your top hand. From here, use your top leg to drive your opponent forward while pulling them down with the collar grip.
The Electric Chair Sweep
The electric chair sweep is a versatile sweep that can be used from half guard, deep half guard, and even butterfly guard. To perform the electric chair sweep, you need to control your opponent’s leg and get onto your side. From here, use your bottom leg to trap your opponent’s leg while reaching under their far leg with your top arm. Finally, use a scissor motion with your legs to sweep your opponent.
The Dogfight Sweep
The dogfight sweep is a powerful sweep that works well when your opponent tries to pass your half guard by stepping over your leg. To perform the dogfight sweep, you need to control your opponent’s near leg and get onto your side. From here, use your top leg to hook your opponent’s leg while reaching for their far ankle with your top hand. Finally, use your bottom hand to grab your opponent’s knee and drive forward to sweep them.
The Knee Shield Sweep
The knee shield sweep is a great sweep to use when your opponent tries to smash your half guard. Start by controlling your opponent’s far arm and getting onto your side. Use your top leg to create a knee shield and prevent your opponent from flattening you out. From here, use your bottom leg to hook your opponent’s leg while reaching for their collar with your top hand. Finally, use your top leg to drive your opponent forward while pulling them down with the collar grip.
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All the best,
Will
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