Ankle Pick
Takedown · Standing
Takes you from a collar tie to side control by removing the foot they just stepped onto. Use it when your pull on the head makes them step forward and the lead foot lands flat. Keep pulling the head down toward you, step to the outside of their lead foot at an angle and drop your level with a straight back; the free hand cups the heel just above the foot. Pull the heel up while your shoulder and chest drive into them and the collar tie keeps the head folded down, not pushed away: with no foot under them they sit down backward. Pick the foot as the weight arrives on it and drive over it rather than only lifting. If they lift the head, shoot a double leg; if they pull the foot back, snap them down.
How to do it
- Take a collar tie on their neck and pull the head down and toward you, so they have to step forward to keep their balance.
- As they step, step your foot to the outside of their lead foot, at an angle, dropping your level by bending the knees with a straight back. Keep the collar tie so their head comes down with you.
- With the free hand cup the heel of the lead foot, gripping just above the foot, as the weight comes onto it. Keep pulling the head the whole time.
- Pull the heel up and drive your shoulder and chest into them, keeping their head folded down with the tie instead of pushing it away. With the foot gone and your weight driving through them, they fall backward.
- Keep the ankle as they land, resting it on your thigh so it stays trapped, and follow to side control.
Key details
- The pull on the head makes them step and the stepping foot comes down light: that is the whole trick. Pick it as their weight comes onto it, not after it has fully settled.
- Make the foot heavy once you hold it: drive their weight over it, so they cannot pull it back or hop.
- Step outside their foot and keep your back straight as you drop. Going down with a round back puts your head in front of theirs.
- Grip just above the foot and bring their head down with you as you go low: the head and the foot work as one lever.
- Drive over the ankle rather than only lifting it; resting the ankle on your thigh keeps it trapped.
- Let go of the neck once he lands: hanging on to the collar tie as he sits back leaves your arm crunched across him and open to an armbar. Pull the elbow back in and come up into the pass.
Common mistakes
- Picking a foot that already carries all the weight. — A loaded foot is glued to the mat and will not lift. — Pull the head until they step, then pick the foot that just landed light.
- Stepping in front of them to reach the foot. — Your head ends up in front of theirs and they sprawl on you or knee you. — Step outside their lead foot, at an angle, so your head is beside their body.
- Pulling the ankle without driving forward. — They hop on one leg and stay standing, because nothing drives their weight back over the missing foot. — Pull the heel up while your shoulder and chest drive forward into them.
- Pushing the head away with a straight arm. — It straightens his body so the hips stand back up over the foot, and your extended elbow is easy for him to lift and counter. — Keep the elbow bent and bring his head down toward his ankle, folding him in half as you pick.
How to drill it
Collar tie, the partner steps, you pick the ankle, 10 each side walking; then the partner chooses when to step.
Safety
Pull the ankle, never twist it. The partner falls back: they tuck the chin and breakfall.
What comes next
Where it comes from