: Protecting your head is paramount. If an opponent can pin your head (usually with a cross-face), they can flatten your shoulders to the mat, making retention nearly impossible.
: Always strive to keep your feet, knees, and elbows "inside"—between your body and your opponent's. If your opponent wins the inside position, they are much closer to passing. Half Guard Retention
: When your shield is flattened, you may need to "low leg" or shrimp out to create space and re-insert the top knee to reset the distance. Highly Recommended Instructionals : Protecting your head is paramount
: Effective half guard is played from your side, not flat on your back. Shrimping and hip-pivoting help you maintain this angle. Common Retention Techniques If your opponent wins the inside position, they
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: Use a knee shield (top leg across the chest or hip) to keep the opponent's weight off you. If they collapse the shield, use your bottom leg to pull yourself in or re-adjust your position.