Biomechanics of the heel hook:
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The heel hook is arguably the most devastating joint lock because of the ligamentous structures it attacks in the leg.
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Mechanics of the heelhook:
1️⃣Isolate the lower leg by squeezing the femur.
2️⃣Put the opponent’s toes in your armpit.
3️⃣Connect to the opponent’s heel to use as your fulcrum to apply torque.
Two options for the finish.
?️Rotate the tibia: this primarily stresses the ligaments in the knee.
?️Rotate the foot: this primarily stresses the ligaments in the ankle.
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Why is this important for a grappler to know?
1️⃣For optimal finishing mechanics you should know joint anatomy to maximize the effectiveness of the lock. This also allows you to troubleshoot if finishing is difficult.
2️⃣You should know what kind of damage you are about to do to your opponent/training partner, especially in the context of your training.
Competition is one thing, but if your training partner isn’t tapping maybe it is better to let it go opposed to crippling them.