The ground game is ultra technical, and works around whats called a Pyramid system. This basically starts at whats called 'Full Guard'. The person that initiates the takedown will usually fall into 'Full Guard'. This means the player will be between his opponents legs. Think the Missionary position in sex.
The idea is then for the figher on top to move to a better position, a more dominant position to land strikes (known as Ground and Pound). You do that by either rotating the Right Stick Clockwise, full circle or half circle. Full circle is called a Major Transition. A half circle is called a Minor Transition. Alternatively, using the new Amateur Controls, you can just push Up or Down.
A Minor Transistion will then move you to whats called Half Guard, another will take you to Side Control, finally, The Mount. This is arguably to most dominant position, and will see you sat on your opponents chest. This is great for Ground and Pound and Submissions.
The fighter underneath, with his back to the floor needs to circle the stick to get out or push his opponent off him. Holding the Right Stick left or right, blocks a Transition or holds a player down.
To stop a takedown, either rotate the Right Stick in a clockwise motion as quick as you can ( this is called Shining) as soon as your opponent attempts a takedown. Depending on the fighters stats, this may prevent or 'Stuff' the takedown.
Alternatively, if you pre-empt the takedown, you can hold the Right Stick away from your opponent to counter the takedown. This then puts you in an advantageous position.
This year now has Feints. You can feint a punch, kick or takedown. You can do this by holding R1+R2 and either a punch or kick button. Or feint a takedown by holding R1+R2 and pushing the Right Stick towards your opponent.
Also, Reversals are the hardest but also the best way of gaining an advantageous position on the ground. It takes perfect timing, it's very risk v reward, and it's what seperates the men from the boys. You attempt a Reversal by flicking the Right Stick left or right when your opponent attempts a Transition.
Guard (grappling) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Half guard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Side control - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mount (grappling) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia