Half guard is always comfortable for the new guys, especially bigger guys. When you learn more and become more flexible you will find it less enjoyable.
I dunno man, as a smaller guy and not so new to bjj, I find I end up in half guard A LOT and as a transition position, it's invaluable to me.
I guess against bigger guys you cant lock up full guard against. Most smaller guys I roll with use berimbolo or some crazy inverted Miyao brothers shit.
I don't know what I'm impressed with more: his technique or his ability to give clear instruction while some dude is hugging his face...
Yes this is my go to as well. I like to rake the leg straight and come up to wrestle for the single or do the plan b like you mentioned. The switching the leg then raking the leg works against anyone big or small. If they don't straighten their leg their knee goes click click.
That is the game I usually play. For some reason I have suddenly had problems getting flattened out and not being able to get up on my side. I think part of my problem recently has been I fight too hard/ too long to prevent the person from passing to half, and miss the easy opportunity to get the underhook.
Do you use the whip up? It's a helpful technique to get onto your side, especially with bigger guys
You can also use your free leg to "kick" in mid air to get the momentum. If i can get even part of an underhook I feel that kicking up and backing the top half of my body away, creating space, works in many situations. Stopping the cross face is the main deal breaker for me. If I can stop it and get the underhook and get on my side i'll probably get the sweep. A hand on their bicep works pretty well in most cases to stop the crossface.
