Marcelo explains high-level retention tactics for keeping the X-Guard against an opponent committed to freeing his back-leg. If he tries to vault over your knee to mat, meet his hip with your hand to ward away his Mount until you can reinsert your hook. If he tries peel off your hooks and Back-Step out, seek his far leg with not just your hook, but your entire body extending out to reach his leg. If he Front-Steps his leg across to the other side, hold tightly and reinsert your hook; but, if he gets to close or you sense danger, kick him away and reset your guard. When facing an opponent with athleticism, length, or balance, rely on the fact that you have experienced all of his possibilities for escape and that you should be much more confident playing your game than his.