Countering the crossface when you’re on the bottom of half guard is really important – if you don’t know how to get out of it then you’ll be dead in the water and soon get your guard passed.
This technique is demonstrated by BJJ black belt Andreh Anderson
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This position is a common one. You started to play your half guard and the guy beats your defenses and gets the cross face and underhook. You still have him trapped between your legs, but it is hard to move because he has flattened you on your back. | |
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First thing to do is to grab the top of his collar behind his neck with your left hand and reach under his free leg with your right hand (palm up). | |
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Hips escape away from him while maintaining a tight hook on his trapped leg with your right leg. | |
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Make a butterfly hook under his trapped knee with your left leg. | |
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Here you can see the position of my left hand. | |
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Scoot your hips back under him as you lift with three levers: 1) the hand in his collar, 2) the butterfly hook, and 3) the hand under his leg. You want to drive him to the opposite side of your body and get as much space as you can between his body and yours. | |
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Insert your right foot above your left, putting you in the position for the X-guard (more information about the X-Guard) | |
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Stretch him away from you as you roll onto your left elbow, lifting his leg with your right arm at the same time. | |
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Roll all the way up onto your left hand. You can then plant your right foot on the ground while still kicking away with your left leg. | |
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Finally, stand up to complete the escape and sweep. |