Here’s a common mistake I tend to notice among beginners when they play the guard position:
They react to everything.
“Everything” includes things you don’t need to react to and things you shouldn’t react to.
For example, if your opponent is doing the toreando pass, the chances are that they will change sides multiple times. That’s what a good guard passer would do — using toreando to force you to make a mistake so they can capitalize on it.
If you react to this pass by trying to follow your opponent, that’s exactly what they want to happen.
Sometimes, it’s better not to react and stay where you are and keep your position by only making small adjustments.
But, practically speaking… what should you do then?
My recommendation is simple.
Slow down and try to move less.
That’s an experiment you can do the next time you roll. Do it and see what happens.