BJJ Graph

Deep Half Guard

Dec 09, 20257 min read

Deep Half Guard is an advanced guard position where the bottom player positions themselves underneath one of the opponent’s legs, creating a powerful leverage point for sweeps and back takes. Unlike traditional half guard where the opponent’s leg is trapped between the bottom player’s legs, deep half involves the bottom player getting their entire upper body underneath the opponent’s center of gravity, often with the shoulder positioned at the opponent’s far hip. This position offers exceptional sweeping leverage and is particularly effective for smaller practitioners against larger opponents.

The deep half guard represents a fundamental shift in guard philosophy, moving from traditional frames and distance management to an inverted leverage-based approach. By positioning underneath the opponent’s center of gravity, the bottom player gains mechanical advantage that transcends size and strength differences. The position is characterized by extreme proximity and connection, with the bottom player using their entire body as a lever to disrupt the opponent’s base. This creates opportunities for powerful sweeps that can lead directly to dominant positions or back control.

From the top perspective, deep half guard presents a deceptive challenge - while you appear to be winning because you’re on top, the bottom player has created a sophisticated lever system using your body weight against you. Understanding the sweep mechanics from both perspectives is essential for modern BJJ practitioners, as this position has become a cornerstone of competitive grappling at all levels.

Key Principles

  • Deep underhook control is the primary mechanism for sweeps and back takes

  • Bottom player creates fulcrum with shoulder and head against opponent’s hip

  • Top player must manage weight distribution to prevent both waiter and Homer Simpson sweeps

  • Inverted positioning underneath center of gravity generates powerful leverage

  • Patient methodical movement trumps explosive attempts from both perspectives

  • Crossface control is critical defensive tool for top player

  • Position favors offense for bottom player despite appearing defensive

Top vs Bottom

 BottomTop
Position TypeDefensive with offensive optionsDefensive with offensive options
Risk LevelMediumMedium
Energy CostMediumMedium
TimeMediumMedium

Key Difference: Inverted leverage trades exposure for sweeps

Playing as Bottom

→ Full Bottom Guide

Key Principles

  • Maintain deep underhook of far leg at all times - this is the primary control mechanism

  • Keep head and shoulder wedged against opponent’s inner thigh to disrupt their base

  • Stay inverted underneath opponent’s hips to maximize leverage for sweeps

  • Control or monitor opponent’s near leg to prevent step-over escapes

  • Use hip elevation and movement to keep opponent off-balance and reactive

  • Create angles with body positioning to set up different sweep variations

  • Transition quickly when opponent’s weight shifts to capitalize on openings

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Losing deep underhook of far leg by allowing opponent to pull leg back

    • Consequence: Loss of primary control mechanism, making sweeps impossible and allowing easy pass
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain tight grip on far leg with arm wrapped deep around thigh, constantly pulling opponent’s leg toward your chest

  • ❌ Staying flat on back instead of inverted underneath opponent

    • Consequence: Reduced leverage for sweeps, easier for opponent to apply crossface pressure and pass
    • ✅ Correction: Keep shoulders and upper back on mat with hips elevated, body inverted underneath opponent’s center of gravity

  • ❌ Failing to control or monitor opponent’s near leg

    • Consequence: Opponent can easily step over near leg and pass to mount or side control
    • ✅ Correction: Use free hand or legs to control opponent’s near leg, preventing step-over escapes

  • ❌ Remaining static without creating movement and angles

    • Consequence: Opponent can establish stable base and defend sweeps easily
    • ✅ Correction: Constantly shift hips, elevate, and create angles to keep opponent off-balance and reactive

  • ❌ Attempting sweeps without proper setup or timing

    • Consequence: Failed sweep attempts expose back and allow opponent to pass easily
    • ✅ Correction: Wait for opponent to commit weight or react to feints before executing sweeps with proper leverage

Playing as Top

→ Full Top Guide

Key Principles

  • Weight Distribution Management: Maintain balanced weight to prevent both waiter and old school sweeps

  • Trapped Leg Extraction Priority: Systematically work to free your trapped leg as it’s the key to escaping

  • Crossface Control: Establish crossface or head control to limit opponent’s ability to execute sweep mechanics

  • Posture Maintenance: Keep good posture and avoid being flattened or broken down

  • Base Widening: Use free leg to establish wide base that makes you difficult to off-balance

  • Grip Fighting: Prevent opponent from establishing sweep grips on belt or pants

  • Patience Under Pressure: Recognize this is dangerous position requiring methodical escape

Primary Techniques

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Explosive or forceful movements to free trapped leg

    • Consequence: Creates off-balancing forces that facilitate sweeps. Opponent uses momentum against you for sweeps, often resulting in being swept to mount or having back taken
    • ✅ Correction: Remain calm and methodical. Work gradual leg extraction while maintaining proper weight distribution and base. Small, controlled movements rather than explosive ones. Focus on crossface first, then leg extraction

  • ❌ Incorrect weight distribution (too far forward or too far back)

    • Consequence: Placing too much weight forward enables waiter sweep; too much weight back enables old school sweep. Poor weight distribution is primary cause of sweeps from deep half top
    • ✅ Correction: Maintain balanced weight distribution - roughly 50/50 or slight preference forward with proper base. Constantly monitor and adjust based on opponent’s sweep attempts. Widen base with free leg to create stability

  • ❌ Allowing opponent to maintain head position deep under hip without pressure

    • Consequence: Opponent’s head acts as fulcrum for sweep mechanics. Without disrupting this position, all their sweeps become high-percentage
    • ✅ Correction: Immediately establish crossface or head control to flatten opponent and disrupt their ability to look up. Use forearm or hand to apply pressure on their head, pushing it away from centerline

  • ❌ Narrow base with free leg positioned close to body

    • Consequence: Makes you easy to off-balance and sweep. Limited base means any leverage opponent applies will move you
    • ✅ Correction: Widen base dramatically with free leg, posting it far to the side. Think tripod stance with free leg, trapped leg, and posting hand/arm creating wide stable base

  • ❌ Staying in deep half top too long without systematically working to improve position

    • Consequence: Time favors the bottom player in deep half. The longer you stay, the more opportunities they have to perfect their grips and execute sweeps
    • ✅ Correction: Have systematic escape plan and execute it methodically. Work crossface, base establishment, leg extraction, and pass in sequence. If one path blocked, switch to alternate escape but maintain forward progress

  • Half Guard - Parent position from which deep half develops

  • Lockdown - Common entry point and complementary control system

  • X-Guard - Alternative guard with similar leverage-based sweep mechanics

  • Single Leg X-Guard - Transition target when opponent defends deep half

  • Back Control - Primary offensive target from deep half bottom via rolling back take

  • Electric Chair - Direct submission option from deep half with lockdown integration

  • Butterfly Guard - Alternative guard emphasizing different underhook mechanics

  • Side Control - Common passing destination from deep half top

  • Mount - High-value sweep target from waiter and Homer Simpson sweeps

  • Turtle - Recovery position when deep half is countered