Saddle
One of the strongest finishing holds for the inside heel hook, and a position you need to recognize fast.
The saddle (also called cross ashi, inside sankaku, or honeyhole) is one of the strongest finishing positions for the inside heel hook and a position you need to understand even if you aren't playing it yet.
Overview
Safety
Recognizing when you're in saddle
- Your training partner's legs are crossed inside yours on the opposite side
- They have access to your heel
When to tap
- If they have your heel and their hips are close, tap
- Do not wait for pain
- Use your words if you're unsure
Accidental entries
- You may end up in saddle from scrambles or failed passes
- Recognize the position and respond appropriately whether you're attacking or defending
Core Mechanics and Concepts
What the saddle is
- Cross side leg, your legs inside
- Also called cross ashi, 411, honeyhole, inside sankaku
- Arguably the best finishing position for the inside heel hook
Why it's so strong
- Counterattacks are difficult for the defender
- Handfighting counters are nullified
- You can attach to the secondary leg (double trouble) for extreme stability
Primary vs secondary leg control
The wedge
Heel exposure
Double trouble from saddle
The Inside Heel Hook from Saddle
Why saddle is the primary heel hook position
Basic mechanics of the inside heel hook from here
- Rotational pressure via foot rotation
- Lateral knee pressure via hip drive
- Bridging finish vs rotational finish
The danger: no pain before injury
- Heel hooks attack the knee in a plane without nerve endings
- If you feel tightness, that IS the signal
- Tap early, tap often
Escaping Saddle
Clearing the knee line
Preventing the heel exposure
Recovering to 50/50
Standing up from bottom saddle
What not to do from bottom saddle
Summary
Coaching Guide
Common entries and sequences
Common problems and cues
- What you will observe: Students not recognizing they're in saddle What to cue: "Their legs are crossed inside yours. That's saddle. Protect your heel."
- What you will observe: Students waiting too long to tap to heel hooks from saddle What to cue: "If they have your heel from saddle, the time to tap is now. Not when it hurts."
- What you will observe: Students trying to roll out of saddle incorrectly What to cue: "Don't roll into the submission. Clear your knee first."
Recommended games
- Leg Spaghetti (saddle start): one attacker, one defender; scale to both attacking as skill increases
Resources
Submeta courses
- Saddle, Lachlan Giles (Submeta)
- Understanding Heel Hooks, Lachlan Giles (Submeta)
- False Reap, Lachlan Giles (Submeta)
- Half Butterfly to Leg Entanglements, Lachlan Giles (Submeta)