SAFETY: Heel Hook from Grasshopper Guard targets the Ankle joint, knee ligaments (ACL/MCL/LCL), and lower leg structural integrity. Risk: ACL tear (anterior cruciate ligament rupture). Release immediately upon tap.
Attacking with the heel hook from grasshopper guard requires precise timing of the inversion-to-entanglement transition. The key advantage is that your inverted positioning gives you access to the opponent’s heel from angles they rarely train to defend. Your primary challenge is maintaining heel control during the transition from inverted guard to a stable ashi garami finishing position while preventing the opponent from disengaging or stacking. Success depends on treating the entire sequence from inversion to finish as one continuous motion rather than discrete steps, because any pause between phases allows the opponent to initiate defensive reactions.
From Position: Grasshopper Guard (Bottom)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Heel Hook from Grasshopper Guard?
- Secure heel control before transitioning from inversion - premature rotation without grip leads to scrambles and lost position
- Use hip elevation as the primary mechanism to create the angle needed for heel access rather than reaching with hands alone
- Thread legs to the inside of the opponent’s base to prevent easy extraction and stepping away from the entanglement
- Execute the transition from grasshopper inversion to ashi garami finishing position as one continuous unbroken motion
- Apply rotational pressure using whole-body mechanics from the hip bridge and torso twist rather than arm strength alone
- Maintain constant knee pinch throughout the finish to prevent the opponent from straightening or extracting the trapped leg
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Heel Hook from Grasshopper Guard?
- Established grasshopper guard with stable shoulder base and hips elevated above chest height
- At least one hook engaged behind the opponent’s lead knee to anchor the position and prevent disengagement
- Opponent’s weight committed forward or base narrowed sufficiently to allow leg threading between their stance
- Clear path to isolate and control the target heel before the opponent recognizes the submission threat
- Sufficient core engagement to maintain inversion throughout the entire transition to the finishing position
Execution Steps
How do you execute Heel Hook from Grasshopper Guard step by step?
- Establish grasshopper guard base: From open guard, invert your torso onto your shoulder blades while elevating your hips above your chest. Engage your core to maintain hip height and position at least one leg hook behind the opponent’s lead knee to prevent them from stepping away. Your arms remain free to transition to heel control in the next phase. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Thread inside leg for entanglement: Shoot your inside leg between the opponent’s legs, threading it across their lead thigh and positioning your foot behind their far knee. This creates the initial leg entanglement that prevents extraction and establishes the lever arm needed for the heel hook finish. Maintain hip elevation throughout this threading motion. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Capture the heel with two-on-one grip: Reach both hands to secure the opponent’s heel, cupping it with your primary hand while your secondary hand reinforces the grip on the foot and ankle. The heel must be captured before any rotation begins, as attempting to rotate without secure grip control results in a lost position and wasted energy. Pull the heel tight to your chest. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Hip switch to ashi garami: Rotate your hips from the inverted grasshopper position into an inside ashi garami configuration, clamping the opponent’s trapped leg between your thighs. This transition must flow as one continuous motion that maintains heel control throughout. Your outside leg crosses over their hip to prevent them from posturing away or creating distance. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Lock leg triangle and align the knee: Close your legs in a figure-four or triangle configuration around the opponent’s trapped leg and squeeze your knees together to eliminate all space. Ensure the opponent’s knee is aligned with your chest centerline. This alignment is critical because the rotational force must travel directly through the knee ligaments for the submission to function properly. (Timing: 1-2 seconds)
- Apply controlled rotational pressure: Bridge your hips upward while simultaneously rotating the heel laterally using your entire body, not just your arms. The rotation should come from your hip bridge and torso twist working together as a unified system. Apply pressure progressively over several seconds, never jerking or snapping. Monitor your partner’s reactions continuously throughout. (Timing: 3-5 seconds progressive application)
- Complete the finish or transition: If the opponent does not tap, maintain steady pressure and micro-adjust your knee pinch and heel grip. If they begin escaping, be prepared to transition to alternative leg attacks such as a straight ankle lock or kneebar rather than forcing a deteriorating heel hook. Never increase application speed to compensate for positional deterioration. Stop immediately upon any tap signal. (Timing: Ongoing until tap or transition)
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | game-over | 45% |
| Failure | Grasshopper Guard | 36% |
| Counter | Closed Guard | 19% |
Opponent Defenses
How might your opponent defend against Heel Hook from Grasshopper Guard?
- Boot defense - opponent straightens trapped leg and drives knee forward to prevent entanglement (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Clamp your knees tighter before they fully extend and use your free leg as a secondary hook behind their knee to prevent straightening. If they boot early before your triangle is locked, transition to a straight ankle lock on the extended leg instead. → Leads to Grasshopper Guard
- Step back and disengage - opponent retreats to break leg contact before heel grip is established (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Follow their retreat by re-inverting and rolling toward them to reestablish leg contact. Use the momentum of their retreat to chase into outside ashi garami or single leg X-guard. Do not abandon inversion to chase standing. → Leads to Grasshopper Guard
- Stack pass attempt - opponent drives forward heavily to flatten your inversion and neutralize the attack (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Use their forward momentum to complete the hip switch faster, pulling them into your ashi garami as they drive in. Alternatively, convert to a Granby roll to recover guard if they stack before you secure the heel. → Leads to Closed Guard
- Counter leg entanglement - opponent threads their own legs to enter 50-50 or reverse entanglement (Effectiveness: Low) - Your Response: If they enter 50-50, switch to inside heel hook variant from the shared entanglement. Maintain your original heel grip priority and use the mutual entanglement to your advantage since you initiated the attack first. → Leads to Grasshopper Guard