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(MMA) Ankle Pick Takedown🤼

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1. Objective and Purpose

The Ankle Pick is a classic wrestling technique used to take an opponent down by targeting their lower body. The primary goal is to off-balance the opponent by attacking their ankle while simultaneously driving forward or to the side. This allows the practitioner to drop the opponent to the mat in a controlled manner. In MMA, the Ankle Pick is valuable for closing distance, setting up more dominant positions, and neutralizing an opponent’s attacks.

2. Steps for Execution of the Ankle Pick

  1. Setup and Entry
    • Closing the Distance: Begin by moving forward and getting into range where you can engage with your opponent’s legs. This might involve evading an attack, using feints, or moving into range after a strike or counter.
    • Level Change: Drop your level by bending your knees and lowering your hips to get to the opponent’s leg. This is essential for the execution of a successful Ankle Pick. Keep your head up, back straight, and posture strong.
    • Attacking the Lead Leg: You will primarily target the opponent’s lead leg for the Ankle Pick. You should be close enough to grab their ankle with one of your hands. Your other hand can be used to control the upper body (often around the torso or post on the opponent’s hip for balance).
  2. Execution of the Pick
    • Reach for the Ankle: With your lead hand, reach down to grab the opponent’s ankle or lower leg. Your goal is to maintain a firm grip on the ankle while keeping your posture strong.
    • Lift and Drive: Once you have a solid grip on the ankle, drive forward with your body and pull the ankle towards you while maintaining a strong forward momentum. This will unbalance your opponent, lifting them off their feet.
    • Angle and Direction: The movement should be sharp and fast, pulling the ankle toward you while your body moves in the same direction. This ensures that the opponent’s balance is broken. You should angle your body slightly to the side to avoid facing a head-on clash with the opponent’s torso or legs.
  3. Finishing the Takedown
    • Follow Through: Once you’ve pulled the ankle and the opponent is off-balance, follow through by dropping your level and completing the takedown. Drive your shoulder into their midsection, if necessary, to ensure they fall to the mat.
    • Control After the Takedown: Once the opponent is on the ground, be ready to establish control, typically by following up into side control or securing a top position. Control is crucial, as you want to avoid your opponent reversing or sweeping you once you execute the takedown.

3. Defensive Techniques Against the Ankle Pick

  1. Sprawl and Back Out
    • One of the primary defenses against the Ankle Pick is the sprawl. When your opponent attempts to reach for your ankle, you can sprawl your legs backward, putting weight on their upper body and preventing them from securing your leg.
    • Retreating to Reset Distance: If your opponent fails to get a solid grip, quickly retreat by circling out or resetting your stance. This prevents them from closing the distance again and attempting the Ankle Pick a second time.
  2. Control Your Balance and Base
    • Widen Your Stance: Make sure your stance is wide and balanced. A narrower stance makes it easier for your opponent to attack your ankle, while a wider base makes it harder for them to pull you off balance.
    • Staying Low and Heavy: Lowering your hips and staying heavy helps prevent your opponent from lifting your ankle. Use your hands to frame against their body to maintain distance and prevent them from reaching down for your leg.
  3. Defend the Grip
    • Keep Your Hands in Play: As soon as your opponent goes for the ankle, use your hands to break their grip. You can create distance by framing with your hands or using your body to keep them from getting a solid hold.
    • Pushing the Head: If your opponent reaches for the ankle, you can push their head or upper body away from you to make it harder for them to execute the takedown.

4. Counter-Defense for the Ankle Pick

  1. Knee Tap Counter
    • If your opponent is attempting to Ankle Pick you and you feel them driving forward, one option is to drop your level quickly and perform a knee tap. The knee tap involves tapping the opponent’s knee with your hand, destabilizing them and causing them to fall to the ground.
    • Redirect Their Momentum: As your opponent drives into you for the Ankle Pick, you can redirect their forward momentum by lifting their far leg and stepping to the side, causing them to lose balance and preventing the takedown.
  2. Whizzer or Overhook
    • If your opponent grabs your ankle and begins to lift, you can use a whizzer (overhook) to control their upper body. This move involves hooking your arm around their shoulder or arm and applying downward pressure. This forces them to lose their balance or makes it difficult for them to maintain the Ankle Pick grip.
  3. Reverse Direction
    • If your opponent is going for the Ankle Pick and they are very committed to the move, you can use their momentum against them by stepping away with the leg they’re attacking and rotating your body. This can cause them to stumble or fall as they try to complete the takedown.
  4. Pull Your Leg Back
    • A simple and effective counter is pulling your leg away from the attack as soon as you recognize your opponent’s intention. A quick retreat, combined with footwork, can allow you to disengage and avoid getting picked.

5. Keys to Success

  • Good Grip and Posture: A strong grip on the opponent’s ankle is critical. Having a solid hold on the ankle and staying in a low posture helps you execute the Ankle Pick smoothly.
  • Timing and Distance: It’s important to execute the Ankle Pick at the right moment, when your opponent’s guard is down or when they are overcommitted to a strike or position. Distance control is vital to avoid being countered.
  • Follow Through to Control: Once the takedown is completed, you must transition quickly to top control positions such as side control, mount, or back control to maintain dominance.

6. Common Mistakes

  • Not Lowering Your Level: If you don’t lower your body enough to grab the ankle, you won’t be able to execute the takedown properly. Always make sure to bend your knees and lower your posture when attempting the Ankle Pick.
  • Overcommitting and Losing Balance: If you drive too hard with your momentum and fail to maintain proper balance, you risk being swept or countered. Make sure to maintain a solid base as you perform the takedown.
  • Weak Grip: Failing to secure a firm grip on the opponent’s ankle may allow them to defend or escape. Always ensure you have a strong and controlled grip.

The Ankle Pick is a highly effective takedown when done correctly. By closing the distance, lowering your level, and targeting the opponent’s ankle, you can off-balance them and transition to a dominant position on the ground. Mastering the technique, recognizing defensive strategies, and learning counters will allow you to incorporate the Ankle Pick successfully into your MMA game.