Ankle Pick

The Ankle Pick is a fundamental Takedown technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling that focuses on using leverage and timing to off-balance an opponent and bring them to the ground. It involves controlling your opponent’s upper body (typically through grips) while simultaneously attacking their ankle to disrupt their Base and take them down.

Purpose of the Ankle Pick

Effective Takedown

  • A low-risk takedown that uses Leverage and timing rather than brute strength.

Control and Transition

Distance Management

  • Keeps you at a safe distance during execution, minimizing exposure to counterattacks.

Step-by-Step Execution

Set Up the Grip

Lower Your Level

  • Bend your knees and lower your Center of Gravity to align with the opponent’s ankle.
  • Keep your back straight and your weight balanced over your feet.

Step and Reach

  • Step your lead leg forward, bringing you closer to their ankle while maintaining grip control.
  • Reach with your free hand toward the opponent’s ankle. Target the back of the ankle or just above the heel for a secure grip.

Pull and Push

  • Pull their upper body toward you using your established grip.
  • Simultaneously, drive their ankle backward by lifting or sweeping it toward their opposite foot.

Drive Forward

  • Use your momentum and leverage to drive your opponent off-balance, causing them to fall.
  • Follow them down to secure a dominant position, such as Side Control or Guard.

Key Principles

Base

  • Maintain a strong base throughout the movement to avoid being countered or losing balance.

Leverage

  • Combine the pulling motion on their upper body with the push or lift of their ankle for maximum efficiency.

Angles

  • Attack at an angle to disrupt their Center of Gravity and minimize their ability to defend.

Timing

  • Execute the ankle pick as your opponent moves forward, leaving their weight unbalanced.

Common Uses of the Ankle Pick

Takedown in Neutral Positions

  • Initiate the ankle pick from standing when your opponent is upright or leaning forward.

Counter to Opponent’s Aggression

  • Use it as a counter when your opponent advances or reaches forward, leaving their ankle exposed.

Setup for Submissions

Transition into Dominant Positions

Drilling Tips for the Ankle Pick

Solo Drills

  • Practice lowering your level and reaching for the ankle with fluidity.
  • Combine with footwork drills to improve your timing and angle of attack.

Partner Drills

  • Work with a partner resisting lightly, focusing on clean execution and grip control.
  • Increase resistance as you build confidence and accuracy.

Positional Sparring

  • Start in neutral positions and attempt the ankle pick under live resistance to develop timing and adaptability.

Flow Drills

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reaching Without Base

  • Overextending your body to grab the ankle compromises your balance and exposes you to counters.

Ineffective Grips

  • Weak or incorrect grips on your opponent’s collar or arm reduce your control and leverage.

Poor Timing

  • Attempting the ankle pick when the opponent’s weight is evenly distributed on both legs limits its effectiveness.

Neglecting Follow-Up

  • Failing to transition immediately into a dominant position allows your opponent time to recover.
Tip

The ankle pick is a versatile and low-risk takedown that relies on technique and timing. Focus on strong grips, fluid movement, and consistent follow-ups to make it a reliable tool in your arsenal.

Positioning

The Ankle Pick can be executed from several positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, both in standing and grounded scenarios. Here’s a breakdown of key positions where the ankle pick can be effectively applied:

Standing Positions

Neutral Standing

  • Both practitioners are upright in a neutral stance, with no dominant grips yet established. Use collar or wrist grips to set up the ankle pick.

Collar Tie

  • Control the opponent’s head or collar to off-balance them while reaching for their ankle.

Same-side Collar Grip

  • Utilize the grip on your opponent’s collar to manage posture and create angles.

Snap-Down

  • After snapping your opponent’s head down, execute an ankle pick as they step forward to regain balance.

Against a Forward-Stanced Opponent

  • When your opponent steps forward or leans forward heavily, leaving their lead leg exposed.

Guard Positions

Seated Guard (Opponent Standing)

  • From Seated Guard, grab their collar or wrist, and use an ankle pick to off-balance and sweep them forward.

Butterfly Guard

  • Elevate your hips and pull your opponent forward, exposing their ankle for the pick.

Half Guard

  • From bottom Half Guard, off-balance your opponent and attack their ankle when they post a leg to stabilize.

De La Riva

  • Use the control of their leg with your hook to create space and pull their ankle into range.

Open Guard

  • Secure grips on your opponent’s collar or sleeve, push their upper body back, and attack their exposed ankle.

Top Positions

Top of Half Guard

  • If your opponent’s legs are not fully locked, use your grip on their upper body and reach for their ankle to finish a pass or takedown.

Top of Butterfly Guard

  • Push their shoulders back while they are seated, exposing their base for an ankle pick.

Top of Seated Guard

  • While your opponent remains seated, grip their collar or wrist and attack their ankle as they attempt to adjust their base.

From Passing Attempts

Scramble Positions

Opponent Rising from Guard

  • As your opponent attempts to stand, use a grip on their collar or torso to off-balance them and attack their ankle.

Scramble After Failed Takedown

  • During a neutral scramble, identify their weight distribution and attack the exposed ankle.

Opponent Posting to Stand Up

  • If your opponent posts their hand or shifts weight to stand, attack their ankle on the same side.

Wall or Cage Positions (MMA/No-Gi Specific)

Opponent Pressed Against the Cage

  • Control their posture with a collar tie or head position, then drop levels to pick their ankle.

Opponent Leaning Against the Wall

  • As they attempt to circle off the wall, capitalize on their exposed leg for an ankle pick.
Tip

The key to a successful ankle pick is recognizing the moment your opponent’s balance is compromised, whether due to their stance, posture, or movement. By mastering setups from multiple positions, the ankle pick becomes a versatile and effective takedown option.

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