Half Guard Pass to Side Control

Transition from Top Half Guard to Side Control

Key Steps

1) Establish base and posture

• Sit back on your hip with a wide base, knees active, and your weight centered to resist a sweep. Keep your spine neutral to stay balanced.

2) Control the upper body

• Create a solid frame to limit head movement. Secure an underhook on the trapped-side arm and control the far shoulder or head to prevent frames.

3) Free the trapped leg

• Use your frames to pry the trapped leg away. Shift your hips toward the opponent and slide the leg free while maintaining pressure on their upper body.

4) Complete the pass into side control

• Slide your knee across to the far side, plant the opposite knee near their hip, and settle into side control. Pin the head or near arm and keep chest-to-chest pressure.

Application

How this works in jiu jitsu moves and bjj techniques

• This step-by-step transition is a foundational knowledge in many jiu jitsu moves and bjj techniques. It’s beginner-friendly and works in Gi and No-Gi contexts.

Gi vs No-Gi considerations

• Gi: leverage grips on the jacket to assist control; No-Gi: rely on frames, underhooks, and head control.

Mistakes

Common mistakes

• Losing base while freeing the leg or failing to control the head and far arm, allowing bridges or escapes.
• Rushing the pass or telegraphing movements, which invites counters.

Tips

Drills and cues

• Practice slowly with a partner. Focus on keeping your chest over theirs and driving the knee across with controlled pressure.