* Summary:
This Ashi waza (Foot / leg techniques) can be used effectively in competition as a continuous Waza, or as a feint.

* Features of this Waza:
The Kosoto-gari (Small outer reap) consists of moving forward against the opponent, then scooping up the opponent's leg from behind him, sending him to the floor.

* Waza details:
The Kosoto-gari (Small outer reap) Waza can be used to reap an opponent's leg by either by bringing the back of the opponent's knee onto your inner thigh to destabilize his balance, or by scooping up his heel.

The "back of the knee" method is performed from a Kenka yotsu (Asymmetrical grips by the two opponents) stance by Tori (Player executing technique) stepping toward the opponent with what will be his Support leg.

At the same time, Tori (Player executing technique) bends his knees and pulls his lifting hand downward to lower his center of gravity.

Tori (Player executing technique) then pulls the back of Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) knee onto his inner thigh so that Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack), unable to back up, falls to the floor.

The "heel scooping" method is performed from a Kenka yotsu (Asymmetrical grips by the two opponents) stance by Tori (Player executing technique) moving immediately to hook Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) ankle.

This is more easily accomplished if Tori (Player executing technique) turns the ankle of his reaping foot inward to lock the foot onto Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) heel.

With Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) thus caught, Tori (Player executing technique) pulls strongly downward with his lifting hand, throwing Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) down from his upper body.

After executing the Waza, Tori (Player executing technique) enters the Zanshin (Awareness) state (posture following the attack, in which the attacker remains watchful while reducing the force).

* Waza usage tip:
The best time to execute this Waza is when Uke (Player receiving opponent's attack) is trying to escape, and is in a sideways posture.

The Kosoto-gari (Small outer reap) Waza is often executed after feigning another Waza.