Deep Half Guard

Quick Introduction

Deep half guard is the furthest-underneath version of half guard — your entire body slides beneath your opponent until your head reaches their far hip. Counter-intuitive: you want their weight on you. Once loaded, sweeps become almost effortless because their base is completely compromised. Bernardo Faria built his entire world championship game around this position.

Position Overview

From: Half guard bottom (swim deep), failed underhook attempts | Leads to: Sweeps to top, back takes, X-Guard transitions, single leg X

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Homer Simpson Sweep (Classic)

1. From deep half, hug their far leg tight at knee level
2. Bridge into them, loading their weight forward
3. Walk your feet toward their head, rotating underneath
4. Come out the back door on their far side
5. Arrive in top position — often directly to side control

Key detail: Named by Jeff Glover. The bridge direction matters — push INTO them, not upward. Their momentum carries them over.

Waiter Sweep Entry

1. Deep half established with far leg grip
2. Release legs from half guard hooks
3. Place far foot on their hip (waiter position)
4. Push with foot while pulling their leg
5. Creates powerful lever to dump them sideways

Key detail: Transitions perfectly to waiter sweep. The foot on hip gives incredible leverage even against much larger opponents.

Back Take (Roll Under)

1. Deep half with tight far leg grip
2. Instead of sweeping forward, roll underneath toward their back
3. Use momentum to spin behind them
4. Establish seatbelt grip and hooks
5. Complete the back take

Key detail: Best option when they base wide to prevent the forward sweep. Their wide base actually helps you roll through.

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Core Principles

1. Depth equals control — The deeper you are, the less base they have
2. Accept their weight — Loading their weight on you is the goal, not a problem
3. Far leg is the handle — Never release the grip on their far leg
4. Stay on your side — Side position gives hip mobility for sweeps
5. Multiple exits — Forward sweep, waiter, back take — read their reaction

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Fix
Not deep enough	Swim until head reaches far hip — commit fully
Afraid of weight	Their weight on you means their base is gone
Releasing far leg	Maintain grip throughout — it's your steering wheel
Flat on back	Stay on side for hip mobility
Only one sweep	Chain: Homer → waiter → back take based on reactions

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Next Steps

1. Half Guard — Master standard half guard entries first
2. Waiter Sweep — Primary follow-up from deep half
3. X-Guard — Transition when they stand to escape