There are a lot of suggestions out there telling you how to defend your guard. Some of these are: do not allow the other fighter to get a hold of your knees, find an angle, or drive your legs to the ground. However, there is one suggestion that I often see novices failing to do. Head control is critical in retaining guard.
Here is why: when the other fighter passes, his head is probably going to fall to one side, and his hips will follow in order to attempt side control. If your opponent is intelligent, he will gain control of your legs or hips to keep you from getting out. However, if you are able to take control of his advance, you won't even let him pass at all.
As your opponent starts passing to the right, push his head in that same direction. That will both create a large amount of space between you but also not allow him to progress into side control. You don't have to be rough and go MMA on him, but you can be firm with a palm to the cheek or a forearm t o the neck.
When you shove his head, shrimp out toward the left. Your hips and your legs are going to do most of the work here; shoving your opponent's head is just about controlling him long enough for you to get out. Once you get enough room, find your center and get your opponent in your guard again. You might have to shrimp out more than one time if he is making good progress and controlling your hips and/or legs. Make sure you are prepared for his moves and react properly.
Remember that learning all of these little jiu jitsu tricks takes time and you have to patiently learn them and apply them. You won't become an expert overnight, but you will get better! Practice them, get good at them, and consider it one more tool in your BJJ belt of goodies.
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