If you are looking for deep dives into this topic, experts recommend the following resources:
: 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
: 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. If you are looking for deep dives into
: Gaining an underhook on the opponent’s far side is a powerful way to move from a defensive position to an offensive one, often leading to sweeps or taking the back. If an opponent can pin your head (usually
: 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.
: 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
: 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