Ankle Pick

Step by step

1. 01

   Engage

   Establish a collar tie and read their weight.

   
2. 02

   Snap to load the lead leg

   Snap the head down and to the side so their weight settles onto the lead foot, planting it.

   
3. 03

   Level change & pick the ankle

   Drop your level, cup behind their lead ankle and drive their head/shoulder the opposite way to break the base.

   
4. 04

   Drive through & finish

   Lift the ankle and drive forward to take them down, following up on top.

   

Key details

• Pick the ankle of the leg they are standing on, load it first with the snap.
• Drive their upper body away from the picked ankle to take the base out.
• Keep your own head up and back straight as you reach for the ankle.

Common mistakes

• ×Reaching for the ankle without first making them weight that leg.
• ×Bending at the waist instead of changing levels with the knees.
• ×Picking the ankle but not driving the head, so they simply re-base.

Related techniques

• Double-Leg TakedownWrestlingChange levels, penetrate, and drive through both legs to put the opponent on their back.→
• Single-Leg TakedownWrestlingCapture one leg with the head outside, then run the pipe or trip to finish on top.→
• Duck UnderWrestlingChange levels and slip your head under the opponent’s arm to take their back.→
• High CrotchWrestlingA penetrating attack to the inner thigh with the head up on the inside, lifting one leg to finish.→
• Fireman's CarryWrestlingDrop under a tie, load the opponent across your shoulders and roll them to the mat.→
• Hip TossWrestlingTurn in, load the opponent over your hip and throw them to the mat.→