This is frequently confused for the ideal head position in kuzure kesa gatame which ought to be more upright and above uke's.

Significant variation exists for gripping strategies in kesa gatame but this is most commonly accomplished by gripping the back of uke's lapel, tori's own thigh, tori's far lapel or even clasping hands (Gable grip).Kodokan's technique guide (2020) and Kashiwazaki (1997) posits that tori's lead leg should be almost parallel to uke's trunk and be fully extended at the knee; this allows for foot plantar-flexion to be used as a post in countering uke's bridge.

Tori's inability to maintain his/her leading leg in an extended parallel position puts him/her at risk of the roll-over counter to kesa gatame.

A common mistake is for tori to have his/her knee pointed upwards (in a squat) in an attempt to increase the amount of pressure exerted on uke.

This is followed by a quick change in torque in the opposite direction, pulling tori across uke's shoulders or upper chest, landing in mune gatame.

The kuzushi for this move stems from tori's rapid movement towards uke's head and would not otherwise be possible unless there is a significant difference in weight.