In this in-depth session, Wesley Thorp and Ryan Motes get real about what makes a clean, powerful heel shot—from tip control and timing to release mechanics and rope angles. They share insights on what happens when you hold too long, release too early, or swing past your target—and how small technical changes can make or break a run. From wrist position and elbow movement to the myth of “swinging over the back,” this is a high-level breakdown of loop control, power through the corner, and what really creates consistency at the catch.
Whether you're fine-tuning your delivery or trying to fix front leg hangs and power loss in your shot, this video delivers some of the sharpest insight available. Learn why both Thorp and Motes keep their focus on the right hock, how they think about tip-first delivery, and why staying behind the steer often beats swinging over it.
Up Next in Heeling Swing & Delivery
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Understanding Heel Ropes
Clay O’Brien Cooper explains the way heel ropes are tied and the importance of understanding how to care for a rope in all climates.
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Heel Loop Angles
Clay O’Brien Cooper is the master of the heel loop, and in this video, he explains a common problem he sees with lower number heelers who come to his roping schools. Cooper explains how the angle of the heel loop stays consistent throughout the heeler’s delivery.
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Settling the Great Heel Loop Delivery...
Trap or scoop? Handshake? Thumbs in? How exactly does The Champ view the heel loop delivery? This video breaks down Clay O’Brien Cooper’s theory on delivering the heel loop, with Jake Barnes’ take, too.
