Heel hook finishing mechanics
•••••••••••••••••••••••
For success in modern nogi grappling a competitor must be educated on how to use and defend a heel hook. The heel hook is a high percentage submission hold but often there are many nuisances to apply the leg lock correctly.
.
The @danaherjohn approach to finishing heel hooks there are multiple steps to ensure optimal control and finishing ability.
1️⃣Control the knee line.
2️⃣Enter the position.
3️⃣Expose the heel.
4️⃣Apply finishing torque opposite of controlling force.
.
Comparing these two examples – Controlling the knee line. Without adequate controlling of the knee line there will be no ability rotate the knee effectively.
Video 1️⃣: The grappler lacks knee control and he has trouble finishing the leg lock until his opponent attempts an uneducated escape.
Video 2️⃣: @craigjonesbjj has firm control of the knee line so when he gets heel exposure he is able to get the finish almost instantly.
.
In both examples the leg locker is able to finish their opponent however there is nothing more frustrating then getting a submission hold and being unable to finish. Comparing these two videos highlights an important detail to ensure proper breaking power.