Outside Heel Hook

What is the Outside Heel Hook? (Definition & Historical Context)

The Outside Heel Hook is a leg-lock submission that isolates an opponent's leg, applying outward rotational force to the foot and generating extreme torque on the ankle and outer knee joint. Historically banned in traditional gi competitions governed by organizations like the IBJJF due to injury risks, the Outside Heel Hook has become a cornerstone technique in no-gi grappling events such as ADCC 2003 and the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI).

The technique rose to prominence through leg-lock pioneers like Dean Lister, who notably utilized heel hooks to secure victory in the absolute division at ADCC 2003. Subsequently, John Danaher and his students from the Danaher Death Squad, including Eddie Cummings, Garry Tonon, and Gordon Ryan, further refined and systematized the Outside Heel Hook, significantly elevating its effectiveness and popularity in modern no-gi competition.

Biomechanics and Principles of the Outside Heel Hook

The Outside Heel Hook operates by creating a fulcrum around the opponent's trapped leg and applying rotational force through the heel. This outward rotation primarily targets the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the knee and associated ankle ligaments. Proper execution demands tight control of the opponent's knee line through leg entanglements, commonly referred to as ashi garami positions.

Effective application involves precise grip placement, positioning the attacker's wrist bone securely beneath the opponent's heel, with the opponent's toes wedged firmly under the attacker's armpit. Crucially, the attacker must engage their hips and rotate their torso to generate maximum breaking pressure, rather than relying solely on arm strength.

Common Setups and Entries to the Outside Heel Hook

Several effective setups and entries exist for the Outside Heel Hook:

Outside Ashi Garami (Straight Ashi Garami)

The attacker encircles the opponent's leg from the outside, typically placing one foot on the opponent's hip and threading the other leg around the thigh. This position provides strong control and direct access to the Outside Heel Hook.

Cross Ashi Garami (Honey Hole/Saddle)

Although commonly associated with the Inside Heel Hook, this position can transition smoothly into an Outside Heel Hook if the opponent defends by rotating their foot outward.

50/50 Guard

With both grapplers' legs entangled, opportunities for Outside Heel Hooks arise when one competitor successfully turns their opponent's foot outward.

Dynamic Entries

Techniques such as the back-step from Half Guard, the Imanari Roll, and kani-basami (flying scissor takedown) are frequently employed to rapidly entangle an opponent's leg and secure the Outside Heel Hook.

Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Applying the Outside Heel Hook

Practitioners must avoid several common pitfalls to effectively execute the Outside Heel Hook:

• Insufficient Knee Line Control: Allowing the opponent's knee to slip past the hip entanglement significantly reduces leverage and facilitates escapes.
• Exposing Own Heel: Careless leg positioning can leave the attacker vulnerable to counter-attacks, such as an Inside Heel Hook.
• Poor Grip on Heel and Toes: A shallow or misaligned grip can result in the opponent's heel slipping free, negating the submission attempt.
• Lack of Hip Engagement and Incorrect Finishing Angle: Relying solely on arm strength or finishing at improper angles allows opponents to roll out and escape. Proper finishing requires hip bridging and torso rotation, angling the opponent's toes toward their buttocks.

Effective Defenses and Escapes from the Outside Heel Hook

Defending against the Outside Heel Hook involves proactive strategies and precise movements:

Correct Rolling Direction

Rolling into the lock (toward the trapped heel) can temporarily alleviate pressure and facilitate escape.

Clearing the Knee Line

Extracting the knee from the opponent's leg entanglement neutralizes the submission's leverage.

Heel Hiding and 'Booting' the Foot

Pointing the toes and hiding the heel against the opponent's body or the mat prevents the attacker from securing a strong grip.

Hand-Fighting and Framing

Using hands to peel off grips and placing wedges (such as the free foot) against the opponent's hip or bicep can create space to escape.

Advanced Defensive Tactics

Experienced grapplers may employ advanced escapes, such as turning to all-fours or initiating counter-leg entanglements. These tactics, however, carry higher risks and require extensive training.

Strategic Applications and Competition Contexts

The Outside Heel Hook is strategically employed across various competitive scenarios:

Leg Entanglement Positions and Scrambles

Frequently applied from ashi garami positions, open guard scenarios, and dynamic scrambles, quick leg attacks can catch opponents off guard.

Submission-Only and No-Gi Rule Sets

Particularly favored in submission-only competitions and no-gi events like ADCC and Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI), where heel hooks are legal and highly effective.

Chaining with Other Leg Attacks

Often combined with other leg submissions, such as Inside Heel Hooks and straight ankle locks, to exploit opponents' defensive reactions.

Notable Competition Examples

Dean Lister at ADCC 2003 and members of the Danaher Death Squad in various EBI and ADCC competitions have demonstrated the effectiveness of the Outside Heel Hook at the highest levels.

Outside Heel Hook vs. Inside Heel Hook: Key Differences

While similar, the Outside and Inside Heel Hooks differ significantly:

Direction of Rotational Force

The Outside Heel Hook twists the foot outward, whereas the Inside Heel Hook rotates inward.

Ligament Targets

The Outside Heel Hook primarily targets the LCL and ankle ligaments, while the Inside Heel Hook threatens the ACL and MCL.

Relative Danger and Injury Potential

The Inside Heel Hook is generally considered more dangerous due to the severity of internal knee ligament injuries it can cause.

Strategic Considerations

Practitioners choose between variations based on opponent reactions, positional availability, and competition rules, often using the Outside Heel Hook to exploit specific defensive movements or positional transitions.