: Protecting your head is paramount. If an opponent can pin your head (usually with a cross-face), they can flatten your shoulders to the mat, making retention nearly impossible.
: Always strive to keep your feet, knees, and elbows "inside"—between your body and your opponent's. If your opponent wins the inside position, they are much closer to passing. Half Guard Retention
: Use your arms to create "frames" (stiff structures) against the opponent's neck, shoulders, or hips to prevent them from securing a cross-face or chest-to-chest control. : Protecting your head is paramount