Become Fighter
Sweeps and half guard: MMA guide
Reverse the position from the bottom, and survive when your guard is half passed.
From the bottom the aim is to get up or get on top. The scissor sweep from closed guard rolls the opponent onto their back with your leg scissoring across their body.
If the opponent passes one leg, you are in half guard. Half guard is safer than being flat. Keep an underhook, frame, and get your knee between you.
Key points
- Scissor sweep: angle your hips to one side, push their knee with a shin across the thigh and pull the arm.
- Use your free hand to post on the floor and rise as they fall.
- In half guard, fight for the underhook and keep your knee shield between you.
- Never lie flat on your back. Stay on your side with your elbows tight.
- Sweep to the top, then pass or stand. Do not stay in guard.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Sweeping without an angle. Turn your hips toward the sweep before you push.
- Lying flat in half guard. Stay on your side and fight for the underhook.
- Letting go of the grips. Keep the sleeve and collar grip until the opponent falls.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Ground fundamentals module of MMA foundations.
Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.
More from Ground fundamentals
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.