Originally Posted by
Robbie Carter
Outside Ashi really is a position that is best for the outside heel hook, it's actually more effective (IMO) than either Inside Sankaku or Ashi Garami because it eliminates the two major vulnerabilities of each of those positions.
The issue with Inside Sankaku (or 411) is that it naturally turns the knee inward which is the same direction and while you can still finish the heel hook, you are creating a longer distance that you have to move their foot until you get to what we refer to as the "break point"; in Outside Ashi you are able to use both your legs to clamp and twist the knee outwards while twisting and compressing the foot inwards. (Think of the same concept as a twister, you want to have their opposite hip pinned as far to the other side (away from you) in order to create the maximum amount of tension prior to you applying pressure.)
The issue with Ashi Garami is that while it's the easiest position to enter into, it also has a large selection of escapes. The biggest issue is that your legs aren't able to lock up and create a structural control position like you're able to in outside ashi or Inside Sankaku. The benefit of this is that it's harder for them to break your clamp, giving you more time to finish before they're able to free their leg or give themselves enough play in their knee to survive.
I'm not a big fan of 50/50 and when I end up there, I usually try to transition to Outside Ashi as I like having the foot isolated without the other foot there to disrupt or I will try to zombie the other leg over to attack the inside heel hook (I believe it's referred to as the Tony Montana position?) The reason I'm so anti-50/50 is that I feel like I am putting myself in too much danger, where as I can transition to a different position rather easily where I have a higher advantage.
These could just be my preferences, and I'm sure that Outside Ashi has it's weakness and major flaws as well, and I am by no means as seasoned as someone like Herzog, Debes, Brandon Mc, etc. So if my information conflicts with any of theirs, take their advice.