Heel Hook

The heel hook is one of the most dangerous and effective leg locks in modern grappling, targeting the knee ligaments of the knee and twisting the foot. By controlling the opponent’s heel and applying rotational force, the attacker forces a tap while threateningthreatens severe joint damage.damage, Theforcing insidea heel hook specifically applies torque through internal rotation, making the knee extremely vulnerable.tap.

Execution requires precise control of both the opponent’s leg and hips to prevent escapeescapes and maximize leverage. BecauseIts of the high high-risk ofnature injury,typically heelrestricts hooks are often restrictedit to advanced competitorspractitioners and no-gi divisions.competitions.

Despite

Heel this, theyhooks are central to modern leg-lock systemssystems, allowing grapplers to chain attacks and dominate positional control in organizations like ADCC and EBI, where aggressive leg entanglements are a key strategic element.EBI.

Strategically, heel hooks are often used in combination with other leg locks, such as knee bars or toe holds, to create chains of attacks. Advanced grapplers study positioning, angles, and timing to ensure a safe yet effective application, reflecting the evolution of lower-body submissions in modern competitive BJJ.