Deep Half Entry

Transition

Deep half guard is an entry where the bottom player dives underneath their opponent, positioning their body perpendicular beneath them with an underhook on the far leg. It is used to off-balance the top player and sweep or take the back, accessible from numerous disadvantageous bottom positions.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · Your body must travel fully underneath your opponent so their weight loads onto you rather than pinning you flat.
  • · Control the far leg with a deep underhook at the knee or thigh to prevent the top player from stepping over or disengaging.
  • · Keep your outside knee shield or frame active during entry to create the initial space needed to dive under.
  • · Anticipate the crossface or whizzer by timing your entry when the opponent's weight shifts forward or laterally.

Execution

  1. 1 From your bottom position, frame to create enough space to turn onto your side and begin sliding your head and shoulders underneath your opponent's hips.
  2. 2 Thread your inside arm deep between the opponent's legs to secure an underhook around their far thigh, clasping near the knee.
  3. 3 Scoot your hips fully underneath them so you are perpendicular, with your shoulder behind their trapped leg and their weight centered over your torso.
  4. 4 Use a pendulum motion with your legs or hip bump to off-balance the top player, then come out the back door by circling behind them to establish back control.

Common mistakes

  • × Not getting deep enough underneath the opponent, leaving your head exposed to crossface pressure and allowing them to flatten you back out.
  • × Grabbing the near leg instead of the far leg, which gives no sweeping leverage and lets the opponent easily pass.
  • × Staying flat on your back during the entry instead of turning onto your side, which kills your mobility and makes the transition to back control nearly impossible.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Deep Half Entry shows up.

Half Guard Bottom Quarter Guard Underhook Control
8 less common
Double Unders Headquarters Position Knee on Belly Bottom Leg Drag Position Leg Hook Leg Weave Mount Bottom Toe Hold Control

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

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