[Balto]

Squeeze your knees and thighs together very hard when you do it. Usually the arm won't even touch your groin when you do it that way.

If you make a mistake and don't squeeze enough, you can still finish it by putting the elbow to the side of your groin. But this way isn't optimal because it gives you less control of your opponent and makes it easier for him to escape.

Practice squeezing your knees and thighs together for the armbar.