Learn the highly effective BJJ Ankle Pick takedown with this comprehensive step-by-step guide. Master grip fighting, timing, and finishing to elevate...
Takedown
White/Blue
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Intermediate
The Ankle Pick is a deceptively simple yet highly effective takedown in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, allowing you to bring an opponent to the mat from a standing position with minimal effort. It leverages your opponent's posture and balance, making it a powerful tool in both gi and no-gi grappling. This guide will break down the essential steps to master this foundational technique and add it to your BJJ arsenal.
Technique Map
graph LR
Takedown["Takedown"]:::catNode
Takedown --> Ankle_Pick
Ankle_Pick["Ankle Pick"]:::currentNode
Ankle_Pick -.-> Double_Leg_Takedown["Double Leg Takedown"]:::relNode
Ankle_Pick -.-> Single_Leg_Takedown["Single Leg Takedown"]:::relNode
Ankle_Pick -.-> Osoto_Gari["Osoto Gari"]:::relNode
classDef currentNode fill:#ec4899,stroke:#fff,color:#fff,font-weight:700
classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
How to Execute
1
Establish Dominant Grips: Begin by securing strong grips, typically a collar grip and a sleeve grip in gi, or a head tie and arm control in no-gi, to control your opponent's upper body.
2
Break Posture & Create Reaction: Use your grips to pull or push, breaking your opponent's posture and making them step forward or backward to regain balance. This disruption is crucial for setting up the pick.
3
Drop Level and Attack the Ankle: As your opponent reacts, quickly drop your lead knee to the mat, shooting your free hand down to grab their closest ankle. Your head should drive into their chest or shoulder to maintain pressure.
4
Drive and Pull Simultaneously: With the ankle secured, use your upper body control to drive your opponent forward and to the side, while simultaneously pulling the ankle upwards and towards you. This combination of forces will off-balance them.
5
Finish and Advance Position: Continue driving and pulling until your opponent is on the mat. Immediately follow up to secure a dominant position, such as side control or half guard, preventing them from recovering or countering.
Key Details & Tips
1
Timing is Paramount: The Ankle Pick is most successful when timed with your opponent's movement, often as they are stepping back or pushing into you.
2
Head Pressure: Maintain strong head pressure into your opponent's chest or shoulder throughout the technique to control their balance and prevent them from sprawling effectively.
3
Secure the Ankle Properly: Grab the ankle from the inside, often hooking your thumb around the Achilles tendon, to ensure a firm grip that's difficult to shake off.
4
Follow Through to a Good Position: Don't just pick the ankle and let go. Drive through the takedown and immediately transition to a dominant control position on the mat.
Variations
1
Collar & Sleeve Ankle Pick: A classic gi variation where you use a strong cross-collar and sleeve grip to set up the takedown.
2
Head Tie Ankle Pick: Commonly used in no-gi, involving a head tie and a tricep or wrist control to manipulate the opponent's upper body.
3
Ankle Pick from a Sprawl: When an opponent attempts a shot, you sprawl and then transition your hand from controlling their head/shoulder to picking their ankle as they recover.
When to Use
The Ankle Pick works best from a standing, neutral position when your opponent has good posture or is pushing into you. It's particularly effective when they are trying to establish their own grips or are moving dynamically, creating openings for you to exploit their balance. It can also be a great counter when an opponent is retreating or stepping back.
Counters & Defenses
1
Sprawl and Clear: The most common defense is to immediately sprawl hard, pulling the attacked leg back and clearing the attacker's arm.
2
Step Over: If the attacker's hand is on your ankle, quickly step over their attacking arm with your free leg, trapping their arm and potentially setting up a counter-takedown.
3
Counter-Takedown (Single Leg): As the opponent drops for your ankle, you can simultaneously drop your own level and attack their free leg, transitioning into a single-leg takedown of your own.
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: What is the most important element for a successful Ankle Pick in BJJ?
The most important element is timing, followed closely by effective posture breaking and maintaining head pressure. You must create a reaction or off-balance your opponent before initiating the pick, otherwise, they will easily defend.
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