Heel Hook Dilemma

⚠️ SAFETY: Heel Hook Dilemma targets the Knee joint, ankle joint, and surrounding ligaments. Risk: Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear. Release immediately upon tap.

The Heel Hook Dilemma is an advanced leg lock system that creates a binary choice for the opponent where both defensive options lead to submission opportunities. Originating from the modern leg entanglement game, this technique forces the opponent to choose between defending the heel hook or defending alternative attacks like the calf slicer or straight ankle lock. The dilemma is fundamental to high-level leg lock systems because it exploits the opponent’s defensive instincts to create finishing opportunities. Unlike isolated submission attempts, the heel hook dilemma operates as a systematic approach where the primary heel hook threat forces reactions that open secondary attacks. This conceptual framework has revolutionized modern no-gi grappling, particularly through the work of the Danaher Death Squad and subsequent evolution by Craig Jones and the B-Team. The dilemma principle applies across multiple leg entanglement positions including saddle, inside ashi-garami, and 50-50 guard. Proper execution requires deep understanding of leg positioning, hip mechanics, and timing to seamlessly transition between submission threats.

Category: Joint Lock Type: Leg Lock Target Area: Knee joint, ankle joint, and surrounding ligaments Starting Position: Saddle Success Rates: Beginner 15%, Intermediate 35%, Advanced 60%

Safety Guide

Injury Risks:

Injury	Severity	Recovery Time
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL) tear	CRITICAL	6-12 months surgical repair
Medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear	CRITICAL	6-12 months surgical repair
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear	CRITICAL	9-12 months surgical reconstruction
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) damage	High	3-6 months with rehabilitation
Meniscus tear	High	4-8 weeks to 6 months depending on severity
Ankle ligament damage	Medium	4-8 weeks with proper treatment

Application Speed: EXTREMELY SLOW - minimum 5-7 seconds progressive pressure in training

Tap Signals:

• Verbal tap (most important - knee cannot tap)
• Repeated hand tapping on partner or mat
• Repeated foot tapping with free leg
• Any vocalization of distress or pain
• Slapping partner’s body repeatedly

Release Protocol:

1. Immediately release rotational pressure on heel
2. Release hip extension pressure
3. Open knee line and create space
4. Free the trapped leg completely
5. Allow partner to assess knee stability before continuing
6. Check for any popping, clicking, or instability sensations

Training Restrictions:

• NEVER apply heel hooks at competition speed in training
• NEVER spike or jerk the rotational motion
• NEVER practice heel hooks on training partners below blue belt
• NEVER use heel hook dilemmas in drilling without explicit partner consent
• Always maintain verbal communication during application
• Always allow immediate tap access - never control both arms
• Respect tap immediately - do not hold position after tap

Key Principles

• Create binary defensive choices where both options lead to submission
• Maintain superior leg positioning throughout the attack sequence
• Use hip extension and rotation as primary control mechanisms
• Isolate the leg completely before applying rotational pressure
• Read opponent’s defensive reactions to determine which submission to finish
• Maintain constant pressure while transitioning between submission threats
• Control opponent’s upper body to prevent posture recovery and escape

Prerequisites

• Established leg entanglement position (saddle, inside ashi, or 50-50)
• Opponent’s heel secured in armpit or hip pocket
• Control of opponent’s knee line with your legs
• Hip-to-hip connection preventing space creation
• Opponent’s upper body controlled or off-balanced
• Clear understanding of legal heel hook rules for your training context
• Partner consent and appropriate skill level (minimum blue belt recommended)

Execution Steps

1. Establish dominant leg entanglement: Secure saddle position or inside ashi-garami with opponent’s leg fully controlled between your legs. Your outside leg crosses over opponent’s hip, inside leg controls behind their knee. Hip-to-hip connection is mandatory - no space between your hip and their trapped leg. Opponent’s foot should be positioned near your opposite hip or secured in armpit. (Timing: Take 3-5 seconds to establish perfect positioning) [Pressure: Moderate]
2. Secure heel grip and establish primary threat: Cup opponent’s heel with your outside arm, fingers wrapping around heel with thumb on Achilles tendon. Palm should be on inside of heel. Elbow stays tight to ribs - never allow arm to extend away from body. Inside arm controls opponent’s upper body or posts on mat for base. The heel grip itself creates the primary finishing threat. (Timing: 2-3 seconds for secure grip establishment) [Pressure: Light]
3. Extend hips to create initial pressure: Drive your hips forward toward opponent while maintaining heel grip. This hip extension creates the first layer of the dilemma - opponent feels pressure building on knee joint. Do not rotate yet - pure extension first. This forces opponent to either accept the building pressure or attempt to create space by pushing your hips away or pulling their leg out. (Timing: Slow, progressive pressure over 4-5 seconds) [Pressure: Moderate]
4. Read defensive reaction: Opponent has two primary defensive options: (A) They attempt to create space by pushing your hips or body away, which requires posting hands or extending arms. (B) They attempt to internally rotate their leg or turn into the pressure. Both reactions open specific submission paths. If they push away, calf slicer becomes available. If they turn in, heel hook rotation increases exponentially in effectiveness. (Timing: 1-2 seconds observation window) [Pressure: Moderate]
5. Apply secondary submission based on defense: Path A (opponent creates space): Thread your inside leg deeper across their calf, crunch your body forward, and apply calf slicer while maintaining heel control. Path B (opponent turns in): Add heel rotation by pulling heel across your body while extending hips - this dramatically increases torque on knee joint. The dilemma is complete: both defensive options lead to submission finish. (Timing: 3-5 seconds progressive application) [Pressure: Firm]
6. Transition seamlessly between threats: As opponent attempts to defend one submission, immediately switch to the other. If defending calf slicer by straightening leg, return to heel rotation. If defending heel hook by creating space, return to calf compression. This constant oscillation between threats creates the true dilemma effect where opponent cannot establish stable defense. Maintain all positional controls throughout - never abandon leg entanglement to chase the finish. (Timing: Continuous flow until tap or position lost) [Pressure: Maximum]

Opponent Defenses

• Pushing your hips away to create space (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Immediately transition to calf slicer as they extend their leg and post hands. Their space creation actually helps your calf compression by straightening their leg across your shin.
• Internally rotating trapped leg to reduce heel exposure (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Adjustment: Follow the rotation and increase hip extension pressure. Internal rotation actually increases stress on knee joint when combined with your hip pressure. Consider switching to straight ankle lock if rotation is severe.
• Attacking your legs to force position abandonment (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Maintain superior position and use your free leg to block their leg attacks. Your control position gives you submission priority. Stay heavy on their hip and complete your attack faster than they can establish theirs.
• Rolling through toward trapped leg side (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Follow the roll while maintaining all grips and leg controls. The roll often improves your finishing angle for the heel hook. Stay connected at the hips and finish during the roll if possible.
• Grabbing your gi or limbs to prevent rotation (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Adjustment: Use their grip commitment as an opening for hip extension. If they control your rotation ability, increase forward pressure and switch to calf slicer or knee compression attacks.

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Applying rotational pressure before establishing full positional control [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Opponent escapes leg entanglement easily, potentially injuring themselves with partial control
  • Correction: Establish perfect saddle or ashi position first with hip-to-hip connection. Only add rotation after all positioning elements are secured.
• Mistake: Extending arm away from body during heel grip [High DANGER]
  • Consequence: Loss of leverage and control, opponent can easily free their leg by creating space
  • Correction: Keep elbow tight to ribs throughout entire sequence. Heel should stay pinned to your hip or armpit - never allow extension.
• Mistake: Abandoning leg entanglement to chase the finish [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Complete position loss, opponent escapes and may pass guard
  • Correction: Maintain all leg controls even when transitioning between submissions. If you cannot finish while maintaining position, reset to dominant control and try again.
• Mistake: Applying maximum pressure immediately without progressive building [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Severe knee injury to training partner, potential joint destruction before tap is possible
  • Correction: In training, build pressure over minimum 5-7 seconds. Partner must have time to recognize danger and tap. This is not competition - safety is paramount.
• Mistake: Focusing only on heel rotation without utilizing hip extension [Medium DANGER]
  • Consequence: Reduced effectiveness, opponent can defend more easily by turning into rotation
  • Correction: Hip extension is the foundation of all leg lock pressure. Extend hips first, then add rotation. The combination creates unstoppable force.
• Mistake: Controlling both of opponent’s arms during application [CRITICAL DANGER]
  • Consequence: Partner cannot tap safely, extreme danger of injury
  • Correction: Always leave at least one arm free for tapping. If controlling upper body, use body weight or single arm control only. Never trap both arms.

Variations

Saddle to Heel Hook Dilemma: From saddle position with both legs crossed over opponent’s hip, establish heel control and create dilemma between heel hook and calf slicer. Most powerful variation due to superior positional control. (When to use: When you have dominant saddle position and opponent is defending by creating space or pushing your hips)

Inside Ashi to Heel Hook Dilemma: From inside ashi-garami, use heel hook threat to force opponent to defend, then transition to kneebar or calf slicer based on their reaction. Less powerful than saddle but more accessible from various guards. (When to use: When transitioning from seated guards like De La Riva or single leg X-guard)

50-50 Heel Hook Dilemma: From 50-50 position, create dilemma between heel hook and toe hold based on which direction opponent attempts to rotate their leg. Requires precise timing and leg positioning. (When to use: When opponent pulls you into 50-50 or when both competitors have leg entanglements established)

Cross Ashi Heel Hook to Straight Ankle Transition: From cross ashi position, threaten heel hook to force opponent to internally rotate, then switch to straight ankle lock which becomes more effective with their internal rotation. (When to use: When opponent has strong heel hook defense but weaker ankle lock awareness)

Test Your Knowledge

Q1: What are the two primary defensive reactions that create the heel hook dilemma, and which submission does each reaction open? A: The two primary defensive reactions are: (1) Creating space by pushing the attacker’s hips away, which opens the calf slicer because it straightens the leg across the attacker’s shin; and (2) Turning into the pressure or internally rotating the leg, which actually increases the heel hook’s effectiveness by adding torsion to the knee joint. The dilemma exists because both defensive options lead to submission opportunities rather than escape.

Q2: Why must you maintain hip-to-hip connection throughout the entire heel hook dilemma sequence? A: Hip-to-hip connection is essential because it prevents the opponent from creating the space needed to escape the leg entanglement. Any gap between your hip and their trapped leg allows them to pull their knee free and escape. The connection also maximizes pressure transfer from your hip extension into their knee joint, making both the heel hook and calf slicer more effective. Without this connection, the entire dilemma system collapses.

Q3: What is the minimum application time for heel hook pressure in training, and why is this safety protocol critical? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The minimum application time is 5-7 seconds of progressive pressure in training. This is critical because heel hooks attack multiple knee ligaments simultaneously (ACL, PCL, LCL, MCL) and can cause catastrophic injury before the person feels pain or realizes they need to tap. The slow application gives the training partner time to recognize the danger, assess the pressure, and tap safely. Heel hooks can destroy knee joints in under one second at competition speed, making this protocol absolutely essential for safe training.

Q4: How does the order of pressure application (hip extension before rotation) affect the success rate of the heel hook? A: Applying hip extension before rotation is biomechanically superior because it first isolates and straightens the leg, removing defensive flexibility. Hip extension creates baseline pressure on the knee joint and forces the opponent into defensive mode. Only after this foundation is established should rotation be added, which then has maximum effect on an already-compromised joint. Attempting rotation first allows the opponent to turn with the rotation and potentially escape. The sequence of extension then rotation creates exponentially more pressure than either movement alone.

Q5: What are the three most critical safety protocols specific to heel hook training? [SAFETY-CRITICAL] A: The three most critical safety protocols are: (1) NEVER apply heel hooks at competition speed in training - always use 5-7 second progressive application; (2) NEVER practice heel hooks on training partners below blue belt who may not understand the danger or know when to tap; and (3) NEVER control both of the opponent’s arms during application - they must always have at least one arm free to tap safely. These protocols prevent the most common causes of training injuries from heel hooks.

Q6: Why is the heel hook dilemma considered more effective than isolated heel hook attempts? A: The heel hook dilemma is more effective because it eliminates the opponent’s most reliable defenses by turning them into submission openings. In an isolated heel hook attempt, the opponent can defend by creating space, turning into the pressure, or attacking your legs. The dilemma system accounts for these defenses and converts them into pathways to alternative submissions. This systematic approach increases finishing rates significantly because the opponent cannot establish a stable defensive position - every defensive movement opens a new attack.

Training Progressions

Technical Understanding (Week 1-2)

• Focus: Study leg entanglement positions and understand heel hook mechanics without application. Learn anatomy of knee ligaments and injury mechanisms. Practice positional entries only.
• Resistance: None
• Safety: Understand that heel hooks can cause permanent injury. Review all injury risks and safety protocols. Practice only positional work with zero submission pressure.

Controlled Positioning Practice (Week 3-4)

• Focus: Drill transitions between saddle, inside ashi, and other leg entanglement positions. Practice establishing hip-to-hip connection and heel grips without applying any rotational pressure. Partner remains completely passive.
• Resistance: Zero resistance
• Safety: Focus on perfect position before ever considering submissions. Partner should tap to position as practice for later safety awareness.

Slow Technical Application (Week 5-8)

• Focus: Begin applying extremely slow heel hook pressure (7-10 seconds minimum) with explicit partner communication. Partner taps early to pressure buildup, not to pain. Emphasize hip extension before rotation. Practice reading defensive reactions without punishing them.
• Resistance: Mild resistance
• Safety: Verbal communication throughout application. Partner says ‘pressure’ when they feel it building, taps before discomfort. Attacker releases immediately on any signal.

Dilemma Introduction (Week 9-12)

• Focus: Introduce dilemma principle by having partner perform specific defensive reactions (push away vs turn in). Practice transitioning to calf slicer or increased heel rotation based on defense. Continue slow application with extensive communication.
• Resistance: Realistic resistance
• Safety: Both partners must understand which defense leads to which submission. Discuss reactions openly. Never surprise partner with sudden pressure increases.

Live Application with Restrictions (Week 13-24)

• Focus: Practice heel hook dilemma in positional sparring from leg entanglements. Maintain 5-second minimum application time. Partner provides realistic but controlled resistance. Begin recognizing dilemma opportunities in live rolling.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Maintain all safety protocols even under resistance. Respect early taps. If partner doesn’t tap appropriately, stop and discuss - do not ‘teach them a lesson’ with injury.

Advanced Integration and Refinement (Ongoing (6+ months))

• Focus: Integrate heel hook dilemma into complete leg lock system. Combine with straight ankle locks, toe holds, and calf slicers seamlessly. Develop ability to read subtle defensive cues and react instantly. Competitive application only with explicit rules understanding.
• Resistance: Full resistance
• Safety: Never become complacent with safety. Training is not competition. Maintain slow application regardless of skill level. One serious injury can end a training partnership or career.

From Which Positions?

• Saddle
• Inside Ashi-Garami
• 50-50 Guard
• Outside Ashi-Garami
• Cross Ashi-Garami
• Honey Hole
• Ushiro Ashi-Garami
• Single Leg X-Guard
• Kneebar Control

Related Submissions

• Heel Hook
• Inside Heel Hook
• Outside Heel Hook
• Calf Slicer from 50-50
• Kneebar from 50-50
• Straight Ankle Lock
• Toe Hold from 50-50
• Kneebar
• Toe Hold
• Estima Lock
• Achilles Lock

Additional Related Content

• Danaher Leg Lock System - Primary system teaching heel hook dilemma principles
• Craig Jones Leg Lock System - Modern application of dilemma principles in competition
• B-Team Dilemma System - Evolution of dilemma creation across entire game
• Dilemma Creation - Core principle underlying the heel hook dilemma concept
• Leg Entanglement - Foundational principle for all leg lock attacks
• Submission Chains - Systematic approach to linking multiple submission threats
• Garry Tonon Leg Lock to Back System - Alternative finishing system when heel hooks are defended
• Lachlan Giles Leg Lock Defense Framework - Defensive counterpart - understanding attacks improves defense
• Outside Ashi Entry - Common entry to establish heel hook dilemma positions
• Saddle Entry from Top - Primary entry for most effective dilemma variation

Expert Insights

• Danaher System: The heel hook dilemma represents the pinnacle of systematic submission grappling because it exploits a fundamental truth: every defensive action creates offensive opportunities if you understand the system deeply enough. When we developed the leg lock system, the breakthrough was recognizing that we could create positions where the opponent’s most instinctive defenses would actually increase their danger rather than decrease it. The dilemma isn’t just about having two submission options - it’s about understanding the biomechanical relationship between those options and the opponent’s defensive movements. Hip extension and rotation are not independent variables; they work synergistically when applied in the correct sequence. The defender cannot simultaneously prevent space creation and prevent rotation - these are mutually exclusive defensive goals. This is what makes the system so devastating at the highest levels of competition. However, this power demands absolute respect in training. The knee joint has four major ligaments, and the heel hook can damage all of them simultaneously. Application must be progressive and controlled, allowing your partner to recognize the danger and submit safely. In training, your goal is not to finish the submission but to establish the position so perfectly that the finish becomes inevitable. This distinction between training and competition application is not optional - it is mandatory for ethical practice.
• Gordon Ryan: In competition, the heel hook dilemma is the highest percentage finishing system in modern grappling when you have the positional advantage. I’ve finished multiple world champions with this exact sequence because once you establish the saddle or inside ashi position correctly, they have no good options. Every movement they make to defend one submission opens the other. But here’s what people miss when they try to copy this system: the dilemma only works if your positional control is absolutely perfect. If there’s any space between your hip and their leg, if your heel control isn’t locked in tight to your body, if you’re not heavy on their hip - the whole system falls apart and they escape. In training, I use this position to develop perfect control, but I apply the finishes extremely slowly because I need my training partners healthy for the next session. The competitive application is violent and fast, but that’s only appropriate when medals and money are on the line, and both competitors understand the rules and risks. Training application should take 5-7 seconds minimum of progressive pressure so your partner can tap safely. I’ve seen too many good grapplers injured by training partners who thought they were proving something by finishing fast in the gym. That’s not toughness - that’s stupidity. Save the killer instinct for competition.
• Eddie Bravo: The heel hook dilemma is fascinating because it shows how the modern leg lock game evolved from position-based jiu-jitsu into something more like a chess puzzle where you’re controlling your opponent’s decision tree. At 10th Planet, we’ve integrated this dilemma principle into our entire system, not just leg locks. The idea that you can create positions where all of the opponent’s options are bad options - that’s applicable everywhere. But specifically with heel hooks, you’ve got to respect the damage potential. These are not like armbars where you get a little time before injury - heel hooks can explode knee joints instantly if applied wrong. In training, we have strict protocols: blue belt minimum for heel hook practice, verbal communication during application, and slow pressure buildup. The dilemma concept is incredible for competition where you’re trying to force a tap, but in training, your job is to show your partner the position so clearly that they understand they need to tap. If you’re injuring training partners with heel hooks, you’re not a good training partner - you’re a liability. The beauty of the system is that once you understand it, you don’t need to apply maximum pressure to know it works. Perfect position plus the threat of the dilemma is enough in training. Save the actual finishing for competition against people who are trying to take your head off.