Cooper Freeman: Finding Your Own Heeling Position

Team Roping JournalAug 20, 2026

When it comes to heeling and all its parts, I think you need to make it your own and do what works for you. If you need a little more separation, stay wider and keep the steer and header out in front of you. If your swing and angle forces you to get a little closer, then do that. No matter what, do what works for you and your roping.

Position Over Anything Else

The biggest thing I work on at home and study on the road is position. I haven’t always been great at it, but it plays a huge factor in my consistency. My advice to anybody trying to get better—lower-numbered ropers especially—is simple: get the best horse you can, get in the best position you can and let consistency work itself out. Everything else follows.

READ: The Best Heelers Are Focusing on Their Position

What Works for Me

I like to be a little closer to the steer than a lot of guys do. Whenever the steer gets out in front of me, I have to chase him, and I’m just not as confident in my throw from back there. Getting close gives me a better shot and takes some of the variables out of the equation. If it feels like you’re almost crowding him, you’re probably right where you need to be.

READ: Following Your Steer’s Tracks

Know Your Angles

I grew up roping in a little barn, and that put a lot of angle on my rope to where I am naturally over to the left. Tyler Worley worked with me on it for a long time and I still work on it today. It’s one of those things I can fix in practice for months, but then go to a rodeo and it comes right back. I’ve embraced it at this point. The angle on my rope doesn’t work well from far away, which is part of why I stay close—if my position is right and my angle’s a little off, they can balance each other out. Know what your natural swing does and figure out where it works best.

READ: The Angle of Your Heel Loop Swing

—TRJ—

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