Overview

The ankle pick is one of the lowest-risk takedowns in wrestling and grappling. You stay upright, maintain posture, and never fully commit your hips — which makes it especially useful for BJJ athletes who value control and easy disengagement.

The ankle pick fails for one reason more than any other: reaching without first creating pressure.

This is not a dive. It’s not a race. The ankle pick is a pull-then-pick that exploits weight transfer and posture recovery.

This page emphasizes when the ankle pick is available, why it works, and how it fits into larger chains — not mechanical steps.

Core Principles

  • Forward pressure must come before the pick
  • Head stays upright and to the inside — posture protects you
  • The ankle pick works during steps and weight shifts, not static stances
  • Control posture first, then attack the foot
  • The finish comes from direction and pressure, not pulling backward

If you reach without breaking posture, the ankle pick isn’t there.

Common Entry Contexts

The ankle pick appears in very specific situations. Recognizing them matters more than speed.

Collar Tie Pressure

The most common environment for ankle picks.

Why it works:

  • Collar tie controls posture
  • Snaps and pulls force weight forward
  • The opponent steps to recover balance

The ankle becomes available because they’re trying to stand back up.

Inside Tie / Elbow Control

A cleaner option when collar ties aren’t available.

Why it works:

  • Inside control limits their ability to pull away
  • Push–pull reactions create predictable steps
  • Your head position is already safe and inside

Reaction to Snap Defense

Often overlooked but very effective.

Why it works:

  • Opponents prepare to defend the snap-down
  • Their posture rebounds upward
  • Weight shifts forward during recovery

The ankle pick punishes the moment they think they’re safe.

Primary Variations

Collar Tie Ankle Pick (Primary Tool)

The classic ankle pick scenario.

When it works best:

  • You control the head
  • The opponent is pressuring back into you
  • You can reliably create posture breaks

Why it works:

  • Posture control limits retreat
  • The ankle becomes exposed during recovery
  • Your hips stay safe and disengageable

Inside Tie / Elbow Control Ankle Pick

A more subtle, angle-based version.

When it works best:

  • Collar ties are being stripped
  • You maintain inside position
  • The opponent is hand-fighting aggressively

Why it works:

  • Inside control prevents them from pulling the leg away
  • Their attention is on upper-body ties, not foot position

Fake Snap to Ankle Pick

A timing-based option against disciplined opponents.

When it works best:

  • Opponent reacts hard to snaps
  • They posture aggressively after defending
  • You can read the rebound of their weight

This version rewards patience and awareness more than speed.

Common Mistakes

  • Reaching without pressure — the ankle won’t be there
  • Dropping the head — invites front headlocks and guillotines
  • Attacking planted feet — timing matters more than grip
  • Pulling backward — finishes come from direction, not yanking
  • Overcommitting — the ankle pick is low-risk only if you stay upright

Transitions & Chains

The ankle pick is rarely the end of the exchange.

Common chains:

  • Ankle pick → opponent hops → transition to single leg
  • Ankle pick defended → inside tie → duck under
  • Ankle pick → opponent posts → knee pick or snap-down
  • Missed ankle pick → disengage cleanly and reset

Even failed ankle picks often create angles or reactions worth exploiting.

Video Study

Watch the primary breakdown first. The examples below show how ankle picks emerge naturally from pressure and posture control.

Primary Breakdown (Start Here)

Your video embed

  • 8–12 minutes
  • Matches the principles on the page exactly

Additional Examples

2–3 supporting videos:

  • Different tie-ups
  • Different timing moments
  • Different transitions after the pick