Figure 4 Guillotine

When engaging from an outside Ashi Garami position, it's crucial to prevent the opponent from executing a back step counter or a truck roll. To avoid their wedging back take, maintain an ankle lock grip and keep your back flat on the mat.

As your opponent stands, resist the urge to pursue heel hooks, as this can lead to your back being exposed and taken. Instead, focus on either sitting your opponent back down or forcing them to turn. If you opt to force a turn by reaping the knee, wait until their knee is on the floor before attempting a heel hook. This timing is essential to prevent them from countering and attacking your back.

Ensure your hips are higher than your opponent's to make it more challenging for them to take your back. If the opponent remains standing, use a hand on the floor to execute a sweep by lifting your hips and back heeling, thus sitting them back down. Only target heel hooks when you can turn their knee inward to expose the heel.

Retain a strong ankle lock grip, focusing on bringing your thumb to your chest, which makes it difficult for the opponent to take your back. By placing your elbow to your hip and applying weight down on their foot, you prevent them from separating their foot and taking your back.

When in an outside Ashi Garami and the opponent is standing, avoid going for a scoop grip as it can lead to back take vulnerabilities. If you find yourself in this position, ensure to pummel your hook in to block the route to your back. This allows you to maintain control and prevent giving up your back while still having the option to transition to attacks covered in the session.

Overall, the outside Ashi Garami position offers significant control but also presents the risk of back exposure. Active and precise ankle lock grips are vital for maintaining control and preventing back takes.