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Step 1
Recognize that your opponent is using a half nelson. When you are flat on your stomach and your opponent is behind you, his arm will be coming underneath your shoulder and his hand will be putting pressure on your neck and head in an attempt to flip you over. As soon as you feel an opponent slip his arm under your armpit and a hand on your neck or head, you should be ready to defend a half nelson.
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Step 2
Clamp the elbow on the side your opponent is attacking in tight to the body. This will reduce the amount of leverage he is able to exert on your neck.
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Step 3
Turn your head to look away from the side your opponent is attacking, simultaneously as you pull your elbow in tight. This creates more distance between the shoulder being attacked and your neck, further reducing the leverage your opponent can exert.
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Step 4
Continue to keep your elbow in tight to the body and your head turned away from the half nelson. Reach up with the hand of the arm that is being attacked and peel your opponent's hand off of your neck, pulling it back down under your armpit. Using a scooping motion with your hand rather than actually gripping the opponent's hand and pulling it down can allow you to keep your elbow in tighter while dislodging his grip from your neck and breaking the half nelson.
