Heel Hook vs Ankle Lock | BJJ Leg Lock Comparison
☰Contents
- 📊 Comparison
- ❓ FAQ
- Related Techniques
- Common Mistakes in Heel Hook Vs Ankle Lock
- Rushing the Setup
- Using Strength Over Technique
- Skipping Drilling
- Ignoring Defensive Reactions
- Training Tips for Heel Hook Vs Ankle Lock
- Shadow Drill at Full Speed
- Use a Skilled Partner
- Isolate Weak Phases
- Compete in Tournaments
- Learning Progression for Heel Hook Vs Ankle Lock
Heel hook vs ankle lock — danger levels, when each is legal, best setups, and which leg lock to learn first.
This technique carries a high risk of serious injury, especially to the knee or ankle. Do not attempt without qualified instructor supervision. Beginners should build fundamental skills before training leg locks.
Leg locks are the fastest growing area of BJJ. The heel hook and ankle lock are two foundational leg attacks, but they differ enormously in danger level, legality, and technique.
📊 Comparison
| Aspect | 🦵 Heel Hook | 🦶 Ankle Lock |
|---|---|---|
| Danger Level | ⚠️ Very high — can cause ACL/MCL tears | ✅ Lower — mainly tests Achilles tendon |
| Legal at White Belt | No (IBJJF) | Yes — straight ankle lock allowed |
| Legal at Blue Belt | No (IBJJF) | Yes |
| Legal at Purple+ | Outside heel hook: No / Inside: rules vary | Yes |
| Target Joint | Knee (rotational) | Ankle (compression) |
| Tap Speed Required | Immediate — damage comes suddenly | More warning before injury |
| No-Gi Relevance | Very high — elite competition standard | High — widely used |
| Best Entry | 50/50, outside sankaku, reap | Single leg X, outside heel hook defense |
Learn the ankle lock first — it teaches fundamental leg lock mechanics safely. Add heel hooks as an advanced tool once you have solid no-gi experience and mature training partners. In competition, know your ruleset — heel hooks are illegal in many beginner and intermediate divisions.
❓ FAQ
Are heel hooks dangerous for training?
Yes — heel hooks have caused serious knee injuries at all levels. Always apply slowly, use a training partner who will tap early, and never apply explosively. Many gyms restrict heel hooks to advanced practitioners.
Which leg lock should a beginner learn first?
Start with the straight ankle lock — it provides a foundation for leg lock mechanics with much lower injury risk. Add heel hooks only after developing mat experience and training with experienced partners.
Master both.
Weekly technique breakdowns. Free.
Related Techniques
Common Mistakes in Heel Hook Vs Ankle Lock
Rushing the Setup
Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.
Using Strength Over Technique
Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.
Skipping Drilling
Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.
Ignoring Defensive Reactions
Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.
Training Tips for Heel Hook Vs Ankle Lock
Shadow Drill at Full Speed
Perform the technique slowly, then progressively increase to competition speed while maintaining crisp mechanics. Video yourself to catch form breakdowns.
Use a Skilled Partner
Training with a partner who can give realistic resistance and honest feedback accelerates technical development more than repetitions with a passive uke.
Isolate Weak Phases
Break the technique into phases and identify which phase breaks down under pressure. Spend disproportionate drilling time on that specific phase.
Compete in Tournaments
Competition reveals real weaknesses that controlled training obscures. Even white belts benefit from early competitive experience.
Learning Progression for Heel Hook Vs Ankle Lock
- Start with controlled drilling of the core mechanics at 30% resistance.
- Progress to positional sparring: your partner starts in the relevant position and you practice Heel Hook Vs Ankle Lock with moderate resistance.
- Integrate into flow rolling — actively hunt for Heel Hook Vs Ankle Lock opportunities without forcing.
- Add to live sparring with full resistance. Focus on recognizing setups, not just finishing.
- Record and review footage to identify timing gaps and mechanical errors.