Heel Hook

The Heel Hook is a highly effective and potentially dangerous leg lock submission in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other grappling arts. It targets the ligaments and joints of the knee by twisting the foot and creating torque on the knee joint. The Heel Hook is a favored submission in no-gi grappling due to its high finishing potential, but it requires precision and control to avoid injury.

Key Mechanics of the Heel Hook

Control Points

  • Secure a leg entanglement, often in positions like Single-Leg X Guard, 50/50 guard, or Outside Ashi Garami.
  • Isolate the opponent’s leg by controlling their thigh and hip, ensuring they cannot rotate to relieve pressure.

Grip

  • Wrap your arm around their heel with your wrist snugly tucked under their Achilles tendon.
  • Lock your hands using a Butterfly Grip, Gable Grip, or figure-four configuration.

Leverage

  • Rotate their foot laterally while immobilizing their leg, creating torque through the knee joint.
  • The twisting motion is amplified by engaging your core and hips, applying significant pressure to the knee.

Principles

  • Immobilize the knee to prevent escape or rotation.
  • Apply pressure gradually to maintain control and ensure safety.

Steps to Apply the Heel Hook

Establish Leg Control

  • Set up a secure leg entanglement position like Outside Ashi Garami, trapping their leg with your legs and hips.
  • Control their thigh and knee to prevent them from turning or pulling their leg free.

Isolate the Foot

  • Use your arm to wrap around the heel, placing the wrist under their Achilles tendon.
  • Ensure a tight connection between your chest and their foot for maximum control.

Engage the Submission

  • Rotate their foot outward or inward (depending on the type of Heel Hook) while maintaining tight leg and hip control.
  • Gradually apply pressure to force the tap.

Finish with Control

  • Focus on precision and control rather than explosive power to minimize the risk of injury to your opponent.

Types of Heel Hooks

Inside Heel Hook

  • The opponent’s foot is twisted outward while their knee is immobilized. This is the most common and dangerous variation.

Outside Heel Hook

  • The opponent’s foot is twisted inward, placing torque on the knee. It is slightly less powerful but still highly effective.

Common Entries to the Heel Hook

From Single-Leg X Guard

  • Elevate the opponent’s leg and transition into Outside Ashi Garami, setting up the Heel Hook.

From 50/50 guard

  • Isolate their leg using the entanglement and attack the exposed heel.

From Scrambles

  • If the opponent over-commits their weight or leaves their leg exposed during a scramble, secure the entanglement and attack the Heel Hook.

Advantages of the Heel Hook

  • High submission potential, even against skilled opponents.
  • Effective against larger or stronger opponents due to its reliance on Leverage rather than strength.
  • Can create immediate threats from leg entanglement positions.

Risks and Challenges

Safety Concerns

  • The Heel Hook applies force directly to the knee ligaments, which can result in severe injuries if applied too aggressively.
  • Proper control and awareness are crucial to avoid injuring training partners.

Counters

  • The opponent can roll in the direction of the lock to relieve pressure and escape.
  • A lack of tight leg control can allow the opponent to kick free or counterattack.

Leg Lock Battles

  • When attacking a Heel Hook, the opponent may counter with their own leg lock, creating a dangerous exchange.

The Heel Hook epitomizes the use of Leverage, Angles, and Problem Solving in grappling. It is a powerful tool that must be practiced with caution, as its effectiveness comes with significant responsibility to ensure the safety of training partners and competitors.

Positioning

The Heel Hook can be executed from various positions that allow for effective leg isolation and control. Below is a breakdown of the positions commonly used to set up Heel Hooks:

Leg Entanglement Positions

Single-Leg X Guard

  • Use your control of the opponent’s leg to transition into Outside Ashi Garami and attack the Heel Hook.

X Guard

  • Elevate the opponent’s leg, create space, and transition into a Heel Hook by isolating the foot and knee.

Outside Ashi Garami

  • A classic position for attacking the Heel Hook, where the opponent’s leg is completely trapped with your legs.

50/50 guard

  • The mutual leg entanglement provides access to the opponent’s foot for either an Inside or Outside Heel Hook.

Double Outside Position

  • Both your legs control the opponent’s single leg, leaving their heel exposed for attack.

Cross Ashi Garami (Reap)

  • Using the leg reap to isolate the opponent’s knee, this position offers direct access to the Inside Heel Hook.

Top Positions

Half Guard Top

  • If the opponent plays deep hooks, elevate their leg and transition into a leg entanglement to set up the Heel Hook.

Side Control

  • In transitions, isolate the opponent’s leg when they attempt to frame or bridge.

North South

  • Attack a stray leg when the opponent exposes it during movement.

Bottom Positions

Half Guard Bottom

  • From positions like knee shield or Z Guard, transition into a leg entanglement to isolate their leg and attack the Heel Hook.

De La Riva

Butterfly Guard

  • Elevate the opponent with butterfly hooks, trap their leg, and transition to a leg entanglement.

Deep Half Guard

  • Use the deep half sweep to isolate a leg and create a pathway to the Heel Hook.

From Standing and Scrambles

Failed Takedown Attempt

  • If the opponent sprawls or posts to defend, attack their exposed leg during the transition.

Guard Pull to Leg Lock

Scrambles

  • Capitalize on loose positioning during scrambles to isolate the opponent’s leg for a quick Heel Hook setup.

Unique Situations

Knee Bar Transitions

  • Transition from a Kneebar attempt when the opponent defends by turning, exposing their heel.

Leg Drag Defense

  • Counter a leg drag by trapping the opponent’s leg and entering into a Heel Hook position.

Turtle Position

  • If the opponent turtles and exposes a leg, trap it and transition into a leg entanglement to apply the Heel Hook.

The Heel Hook is versatile and can be applied from various positions, particularly those where the opponent’s leg is isolated and the knee and foot are exposed. Mastery of Angles, Leverage, and control in leg entanglements is essential for successful and safe execution.

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