How to Do an Ankle Pick in Wrestling
In wrestling, a take down is a way to score points and gain a dominant position over an opponent. Strong take downs are perhaps the most important attribute of a wrestler; the first points in a match are almost always scored by the first take down. The ankle pick is a finesse take down technique that can be very effective for wrestlers with good reach and quickness.
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Instructions
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Tie up with your opponent, and place one of your hands behind his neck.
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Circle in the direction of the arm you placed on his neck. This forces him to step to follow you.
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Dart your other hand down and cup his ankle when he takes a a step, around the outside of his foot.
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Pull his ankle up as if to tuck it under your armpit, as you pull his head down with the hand you had placed behind his neck. Drive forward with your legs as you do this to destabilize his balance.
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Stay in tight to maintain control and secure a take down. If you execute well, your opponent will bail out to his stomach as you drive him backward.
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Tips & Warnings
The ankle pick requires accuracy and quickness over strength. Long reach is also very helpful.
Wrestlers that are very comfortable with the ankle pick need not necessarily tie up before they shoot it. You can shoot, and put your arm behind your opponent's head, and grab his heel at the same time.
