Position Setup: Half Guard with Underhook

The defender establishes a strong half guard position with an underhook while the opponent attempts to control with an overhook. This underhook is critical to the technique's success, as it provides leverage and arm positioning needed for the triangle finish.

Base Adjustment: Swiping the Leg Open

The defender uses their outside leg to swipe the opponent's leg open, improving positional control and creating space to elevate. This movement prevents the opponent from maintaining pressure and sets up the ascent to the knees.

Rising to the Knees and Posture Control

The defender comes up to their knees while maintaining the underhook. A critical detail is driving the opponent down slightly to break their posture and redirect their attention away from the incoming triangle setup.

Back Control Threading and Leg Hook

The defender's outside leg comes over the opponent's back, mimicking a back-take position. The defender's inside hand supports their weight while the hooked leg provides stability and control of the opponent's upper body.

Triangle Entry: Shooting the Leg Through

The defender shoots their leg through to establish the triangle position while maintaining the underhook. The proximity and control established in previous steps prevent the opponent from defending or escaping the leg position.

Arm Clearance and Triangle Finish

The defender wrenches the opponent's arm across their body using the underhook leverage, clearing the arm from the triangle's choking pathway. This mechanical advantage makes the triangle significantly more effective than without the underhook positioning.

Alternative Applications from This Position

Beyond the triangle, this elevated half guard position creates opportunities for guillotines, knee picks, sweeps, and back control transitions. Practitioners should recognize this as a versatile attacking platform rather than committing exclusively to the triangle option.

Triangle Set Up From Half Guard While Overhooked - Jason Scully BJJ Grappling

The Grapplers Guide by Jason Scully

Cradle From Top Half Guard

2 min read·7 key moments·PT4M44S video

Key Takeaways

•Position Setup: Half Guard with Underhook
•Base Adjustment: Swiping the Leg Open
•Rising to the Knees and Posture Control
•Back Control Threading and Leg Hook

Thousands of Videos at http://www.GrapplersGuide.com/open - In this video Jason Scully shows how to counter your opponent with a triangle choke when they overhook your underhook arm while they are in your half guard. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL BJJ Grappling System Outline: http://www.GrapplersGuide.com 4 MicroGrappling Concepts: http://www.MicroGrappling.com 4 Grip Fighting Concepts: http://www.BJJGripFighting.com Invisible Grappling DVD Set: http://www.InvisibleGrappling.com Solo Grappling Drills: http://www.GrapplingDrills.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaysculls Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Jason_Scully Grapplers Guide Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/brazilianjiujitsu.grappling.judo.bjj BJJ For Charity: http://www.bjjforcharity.com

Related Techniques

Cradle From Side Control Cradle From Turtle

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about cradle from top half guard?

This video covers position setup: half guard with underhook, base adjustment: swiping the leg open, rising to the knees and posture control. It provides detailed instruction from The Grapplers Guide by Jason Scully.

How long does it take to learn cradle from top half guard?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.