Saddle
Inside-sankaku style leg entanglement that isolates one leg for heel hooks and knee attacks — a cornerstone of modern no-gi leg-lock games.
Overview
The saddle (inside sankaku / 411 family) wraps the opponent’s leg in a triangle-like configuration that pins the knee line and exposes the heel. It is one of the highest-percentage modern no-gi entanglements for inside heel hooks when rules allow.
Position Flow
How to Enter
- Enter from outside ashi or SLX when you clear to the inside line
- Transition from fifty-fifty when you win the hip race to the inside
- Scramble recoveries when a standing opponent’s leg threads into the triangle
How to Exit
- Inside heel hook when competition rules permit
- Knee bar if the leg straightens across your hips
- Straight ankle lock when heel control fails but the foot remains
- Back exposure when they turn away from the entanglement
Key Controls
- Figure-four / triangle on the trapped leg with the knee line pinned
- Secondary control on the free leg or hips to stop stand-ups
- Upper-body posture that keeps them from stacking out
Vulnerabilities
- Opponent clearing the inside triangle before the knee line locks
- Stack pressure that folds you toward your shoulders
- Your own exposed heel if secondary control is lazy
Ideal When
You play modern no-gi leg locks and need an inside entanglement that isolates one leg for rotational finishes.
OffenseOffense
Goals
- Pin the knee line before hunting the heel
- Force a defensive turn that opens the finish or a secondary attack
Key Techniques
- Inside heel hook (rules permitting)
- Knee bar on a straightened leg
- Ankle lock when the heel hides
Pro Tips
- Knee line first — heel second
- Hide your free leg; saddle wars cut both ways
Common Mistakes
- Twisting for a heel hook with a soft knee line
- Inverting without hip connection under their weight
DefenseDefense
Goals
- Clear the inside triangle and hide the heel
- Stand or stack before rotational pressure starts
Key Techniques
- Inside knee pummel to break the sankaku
- Heel hide and hand fight on the finishing grips
- Stack or technical stand-up when the triangle is shallow
Pro Tips
- Address the knee line early; late peels happen under heel-hook pressure
- Know your ruleset — illegal reaping contexts change the escape math
Common Mistakes
- Turning the wrong way into a tighter heel hook
- Both hands fighting the finish while the triangle stays locked
Variations
Classic saddle / inside sankaku411 / honey-hole style entriesSaddle to fifty-fifty transitions
Key Concepts
- Saddle is knee-line control dressed as a triangle on the leg
- Rules awareness is part of the position
- Secondary-leg safety keeps you from getting countered
Recommended Drills
- Outside-ashi to saddle entries with cooperative partners
- Knee-line pinning rounds without finishing heel hooks
- Legal-rules positional sparring for your gym’s allowed finishes
Related Techniques
Summary
Saddle isolates one leg with an inside triangle and a pinned knee line. Control that structure first, keep your free leg safe, then choose heel hook, knee bar, or ankle lock based on rules and their defense.