Basic Knee Pick Reversal

Continuing from the previous lesson on half guard, the focus is on not making the common mistake of gripping immediately after winning the underhook, as this can pin you underneath your opponent. Instead, keep the opponent's arm high and prevent it from clamping down by flaring your elbow and opening your arm, using your upper arm to block theirs and maintain space.

1. Shuck down and use your bottom leg to elevate the opponent's hip off the floor, keeping your outside leg posted for power.
2. Once out of range of the opponent's arm, shift your attention to using your head protection arm to locate their legs, either near or far side.
3. Pull the opponent over you to find the pants with your underhook, aiming for the slit in the pants to grip over, or cup the hip bone if no gi is worn.
4. Ensure your shoulder is set to the inside of the opponent's hip, never to the outside. If necessary, release the grip and use your hand behind your back to drive your shoulder into position before re-establishing the grip.
5. This hip control underhook is deep, similar to a deep half guard position, but on the conventional half guard side.
6. Switch hooks and drag the opponent's leg back, pointing their knee away and gluing your belly and hip to the outside of their thigh to prevent them from framing.
7. Use your legs to transfer the opponent's weight from your hip to your shoulder and pull your knee out, freeing your hand to post.
8. Drop your hip control arm to the opponent's ankle, reach across to grab the outside of their knee, post, drive with your head, and pull their leg towards you, maintaining the hook throughout the movement.