What's More Dangerous Reverse or Outside Heel Hook?

Heel Hook is one of the most significant submission techniques in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The fighter uses the heel hook method after getting firm control over the opponent's foot and knee.

This method works on the knee of the opposer, as the fighter gets the control to rotate their knee at ninety degrees.

It is named after the heel, as it is hooking the heel of the opponent. Technically, this fierce hook submission is targeting the three major parts: knee, hip, and heel. It can cause drastic effects on the fighter as it might break the bone, as this submission technique affects the leg ligaments.

Heel Hook was an illegal submission method in the past, but later it was used in modern BJJ martial arts. It is the grappling technique that was formed decades ago, it originated in Greek martial arts. The wrestlers used heel hooks to knock out their opponents. Later this technique of submission was adopted from the martial arts of Judo. it is the submission technique that is used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts.

The submission of the heel hook can be applied from the various positions of the heel. There are two main types of heel hooks in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It involves three important steps for performing the heel hook. 

• The first step is to get a grip on the opponent's leg, and then try to get control over the knee line.
• It is one of the most crucial steps that further leads you to apply the proper technique of heel hook.
• Once you have control over the leg, the next step is to get a firm grip on the heel. It is not so easy to do that.
• You need to make a bridge over the knee.
• Lastly, you need to maintain the firm pressure and apply the 90-angle submission method.

The heel hook is the most fierce submission technique in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The fighter rotates the ankle of the opponent in the opposite direction, which is against the ligaments. The heel hook creates an immense pain that leads to the breakage of the leg. This is the reason that heel hooks are not legal to use in various martial arts.

The execution of the heel hook is considerably very complicated, as a little miss can lead to a broken leg. Some fighters escape from it while rolling in the opposite direction, it helps a lot.

The heel hook is the leg entanglement that can be applied from the inside or outside direction. There are two variations of the heel hook that is used in the grappling world. The difference between the two heel hooks is because of the position of the application.

Both of the heel hook variations take control over the three main crucial parts of the opponent which includes the control of the:

• Knee
• Foot
• Hip

The inside heel hook is also known as the reverse heel hook. This name is given because it is the reverse technique of the outside heel hook.

In this submission method, the fighter gets control over the leg of the opponent. As the position of the opponent’s legs is inside the hip side of the fighter, the fighter can grap the inside area of the heel. The next step is to rotate the leg in the opposite direction so that the submission can be applied. 

It is one of the most traditional ways of applying the submission method in jiu-jitsu. This grappling tool is part of the martial arts, which have numerous variations. The outside heel hook is most commonly used in the martial arts of BJJ.

The fighter is required to lock the foot of the opponent outside the hip. The novice needs to learn about leg entanglement which comes with a lot of variations of positions.

In this variation of submission, the leg of the opponent is placed outside of the fighter's hips. The fighter can take control by attacking on the opposite side of the outside heel. That is why it is known as the outside heel hook, it can create less damage.

One of the most common positions used for the heel hook is Ashi Garami which includes the method of keeping the opponent's legs between your legs and then the grappler can take control over the hips of the opponent with the use of a foot. The entanglement can help the fighter to submit to the opponent at once. The last important part is to use sufficient pressure while rotating the ankle of the opponent. Do not forget to establish a bridge it can create a drastic change in the rotational force.

Note that the position and pressure control is the most significant part when applying any of the two submission methods. A little miss can lead to immense damage, as the proper entanglements are considered essential for the application. 

Let us talk about the most dangerous and devastating heel hook, out of the two variations of heel hook submission. The inside heel hook or reverse heel hook is the most dangerous submission method that is used in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It has a high rate of destruction as it can cause serious infractions.

It is the essential weapon inside the tool kit of the martial arts grappler. The fighters can move up to a higher level by adding the reverse heel hook to their BJJ arsenal.

The inside or reverse heel hook can be applied from various positions. With the Reverse heel hook, the BJJ fighter can get control over the leg of the opponent. It can be achieved with the technique of 50/ 50, saddle position, floating Z guard, and ashi grami.

The rotating or twisting technique in the submission method of inside or reverse heel hook can isolate the different parts of the legs. The leg entanglement can create a drastic effect on the ligaments of the leg. As the complete pressure goes to the ankle, the rapid rotation will eventually lead to severe damage. It takes almost six months to heal the ankle properly.

The heel hook can also take toward total knee destruction, which can even make the fighter cripple. Moreover, the damage of the heel hook is devastating as it can directly affect the performance of the fighter. The part of recovery is a delayed healing process, that might take months or even years.

After coming back to the podium, the grappler would be stressed of being submitted with the heel hook again. Furthermore, there would be a change in the performance of an athlete as the natural functioning of the bone is being disrupted. 

While applying the heel hook, it relies on execution and pressure control. The heel hook is majorly dependent on the position of the fighter.

Heel hook is the next-level submission technique that is used by grappling experts. Whether it is an inside or outside heel hook it needs a brief comprehension of pressure exertion. For the safety purpose, it is used at the proficient level of the BJJ grappler. Note that proper training is required for the application of the heel hook submission.

Down below are the guidelines for the grapplers while performing the heel hook submission method during the grappling: 

• While you are applying the submission make sure not to leave any gap in between stay intent.
• With the use of the wrist and hands, a fighter can maintain firm pressure on the opponent.
• Keep it in your consideration to attain a 90-degree angle with the legs entanglement.
• Make sure to grip the foot or heel of the opponent as tight as possible.
• The armpit can also control the grip of the legs and provide firm control over the opposer.
• The most significant part is to control the legs of the opponent.
• Stay firm and determined while performing the heel hook submission.

As Brazilian jiu-jitsu is ground fighting, the technique of the half guard is best suited to achieve the outside heel hook. The fighter can set the top half guard from the upper side. While the fighter is in the sitting position he can move the knee and over the exposed stomach of the opponent.

Then the next step is to get a strong grip over the leg of the fellow fighter and meanwhile drag yourself to the backside. As the fighter moves back, then you can easily attack their heel. Stay in the position of the kneebar and then apply the submission of the outside heel hook. 

Another leg lock is the Imanari roll, named after the great fighter Masakazu Imanari. He is also known as the initiator of the leg lock. Basically, it is the variation of the backroll and Granby roll. This technique is acquired by great practice. It is the most effective submission method.

The BJJ fighter can execute this move in a parallel stance. When the fighter and the opponent are in the standing position, the grappler can give a push to the fellow fighter, he can apply the Imanari roll.

While you are in the standing position execute the next move by moving your leg under the opponent’s leg. The fighter needs to use the leg that is near the fighter and make a hook in the leg. The next step is to pull and then rapidly roll your legs, as you get a firm grip roll over and hook the legs of the opponent. As the fighter gets onto the mat then you get the required position of the inside heel hook. 

Once the BJJ fighter can occupy the 50/50 position they can easily apply the heel hook. It is uncomplicated but at the same time, it is devastating. The position of 50/50 is easy for the application of the submission as well as for the escape.

In this position, the fighter can grab the opponent's legs, and can easily get the grips. The fighter can get the grip of the foot, and hook the heel of the opponent that is facing the ground. The next step is to raise the lower back and move the heel of the opponent outwards. 

The inside heel hook can be achieved from the popular position of the saddle. In this position, the fighter can easily get a grip on the opponent's leg. The fighter can make a triangle with the outer side leg. You can hold their knee with the triangle. Meanwhile, make an inside heel hook with your leg.

The crucial step is to get control over the knee of the opponent before the attempt of the heel hook. Hold the position maintain the pressure and hold the leg tightly while pulling it inside. Make sure the should not be any space in the heel hook.

The next step is to make your hip your base so that you can maintain the pressure accurately. And meanwhile, you have to put the leg inside the knee space of the opponent.

In this way, the ankle space will be exposed to you. The final step is to grab the foot with the armpit and hook the opponent's heel with the use of your forearm. 

The position of the 411 can be attained by the fighter with the application of the guard pass. The fighter is required to pretend that he is going to apply the guard pass, then try to grab the space of the opponent's legs, by stepping inside.

Further, the grappler will take a step back and move the other leg to reach the leg of the opponent. Just slide the leg and use the knee to get a grip around the leg of the opponent. The next step is to use the elbow and move yourself back. This will create a pressure on the opponent.

As the fighter moves back, he is required to push the leg of the opponent and reach the heel of the opponent. The final move is to hook the heel for the submission. 

The submission of the heel hook can be attained with the implication of the floating Z guard. As you get the specified position of the Z guard, hold the arm and grip the opponent's armpit. For firm support you need to put pressure on your opponent, meanwhile, move them away from your side.

You need to use your leg that moves inside and get a firm grip on the opponent's body. With that, you are required to make the space to move your leg for the submission. Formerly, as you attain this position, move your back to start facing upwards. Try to fix the leg of the opponent on the floor then,

The grappler needs to place the legs by making a triangle of it. As their fellow fighters move their legs, it is your turn to reach the heel to fix it with the hook. Make a hook with the use of the hands, the last step is not to leave a space in between. 

Ashi Garami is the leg lock that originated from the martial arts of Judo. it is the best joint lock that is used in various martial arts. Ashi Garami is used to entangle the leg of the opponent. It is considered as the best approach for the submission of an outside heel hook.

In this technique, the major focus is to get control over the opponent's legs. The fighter needs to make a bridge over the hip of the opponent. The other foot is used to hook the opposite leg. Try not to leave a space in between, that will ensure a perfect grip.

The fighter will be in a position that creates a triangle, that helps to stick them in the place. In that particular position, you can get a grip on the exposed heel of the opponent. The fighter is required to use the wrist to make a hook by moving through the inside space of the arm.

By keeping your foot on the ground, you need to get a grip on your opponent’s knee. It will expose the heel area and give you the chance to hold it to give a heel hook submission.

As the opponent is being submitted with the use of the wrist. Meanwhile, trap the opponent's toes from the space in between the arm. Make sure to get a strong grip, by holding both of your hands tightly. Keep the elbows firm in a steady position.

At last, to finish the inside hook submission you are required to rotate the heel inwards. 

The submission of the heel hook can be executed in various positions. The top Brazilian jiu-jitsu contenders use the submission of the heel hook with multiple methods. A heel hook is a powerful joint lock that helps to get complete control over the opponent. Note that the practice will make you perfect. Down below are the important tips for the execution of the inside or outside heel hook submission.

• To lock the opponent in place a BJJ grappler needs to ensure that there is less or no space in between.
• Try to get firm control, while keeping the accurate pressure while doing the heel hook submission.
• The hands allow the fighter to get firm control of the submission of the heel hook.
• The technique of rolling works both inside and outside the heel hook.
• The heel hook control is dependent on the fundamental points of the knee, hip, and the heel or foot. The knee space helps to create a triangle, and the hip is the base that helps while rotating the heel. These three positions will ensure the correct execution of the heel hook.
• Try to be allied with your opponent, it also requires the sudden pull and push that helps to create a space so that you can grab the target of the opponent.
• Once you get control over the knee you can handle the opponent's movements. The control above or under the knee is required for the heel hook submission technique.
• If you want to employ the reverse of the outside hook you need firm control over the knee. It helps you to submit your opponent properly. In addition, it will allow you to drag their heel for inside or outside heel hook.
• To get a firm grip over the top of the opponent you need to use the armpit, as you control it they are less focused towards the exposed heel so that you can grab it instantly.
• You can often change your position towards the legs or foot of the opponent,
• The BJJ fighter can use a variety of grips to apply the submission method that includes variations of the butterfly grip. The rear neck grip also works for the heel hook submission.
• Always make a firm base to employ towards the next move.
• The hand plays a fundamental role in the heel hook submission.

The effectiveness of the reverse and outside heel hooks is explained briefly. The heel hook submission comes with different variations of positions and techniques. It is the most dangerous submission method, if not applied correctly.

The reverse or the inside heel hook is the most devastating tool in the BJJ arsenal. It can break the ligament and even tear the ankle or knee which can take months or even years to cure. It can cause real damage by making the fighter cripple.

The BJJ grappler must follow the tactics and methods to get the optimized outcome. The inside/ reverse or outside heel hook is often used in mixed martial arts, and the correct application can lead to victory.