How do I play half guard effectively?

Half guard has evolved from a stalling position to one of the most dynamic guards in BJJ. The key principle is to never be flat. Get on your side immediately and fight for the underhook on the same side as your trapped leg. The underhook is your primary tool for sweeping and back taking. Use the knee shield to manage distance and prevent your opponent from flattening you with crossface. From the underhook position, the dog fight sweep lets you come up to a single leg or take the back. The lockdown is an alternative control that traps their leg and allows electric chair sweeps. Deep half guard puts you underneath your opponent for powerful sweeps like the waiter sweep. For gi training, lapel grips from half guard create additional control and sweep options. The most important thing is to be active. A passive half guard gets passed, but an active half guard with constant threats keeps your opponent defending.