Outside Heel Hook

The outside heel hook is a leg lock targeting the opponent’s knee and ankle ligaments through rotational torque applied from the outside of the trapped leg. Control of the hips and leg placement is crucial to prevent the opponent from rolling out, and proper technique maximizes leverage while minimizing self-exposure. The submission is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous lower-body attacks in no-gi grappling, often restricted to advanced divisions due to its high risk of injury.

Applied correctly, the outside heel hook can be integrated into leg entanglement systems like the 50/50 guard or single-leg X-guard, creating chains of attacks that force the opponent to defend multiple options simultaneously. Competitors often use it as both a threat to gain positional advantage and a direct finishing tool. Mastery of timing, angles, and hip control distinguishes elite practitioners from novices.