Outside Ankle Pick

SubFamily

アウトサイドアンクルピック(Autosaido Ankuru Pikku)

Transliteration

Translation: outside ankle pick

Overview

The Outside Ankle Pick subfamily targets the opponent's far-side (outside) ankle, reaching to the outside of the opponent's stance to capture the far foot. ^[1] The outside ankle pick requires creating an angle or using a cross-body reach to access the far ankle, often set up by pushing the opponent's weight to one side and then picking the weighted foot from the outside. ^[1],[2] This angle of attack is less direct than the inside pick but can be more effective against opponents who maintain a squared stance. ^[2],[3]

Also known as

Far-Side Ankle PickWrestling^[1]Outside Ankle Grab^[2]Soto Ashi-doriJP^[3]

Used in

Wrestling MMA Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

History & Origin

Outside ankle picks developed as a complementary technique to the inside variant, giving wrestlers an attack option from the opposite angle. ^[1] The technique is taught across wrestling styles as part of the ankle pick system. ^[2],[3]

Effectiveness

The outside ankle pick attacks the opponent's foot from the outside, typically combined with a push or snap to drive their weight onto the targeted leg. ^[1] The outside angle makes it a good complement to inside attacks. ^[2]

Lineage

The outside ankle pick is a standard wrestling technique found in freestyle and folkstyle curricula. ^[1]

Competition Record

The outside ankle pick is used in NCAA and international freestyle competition. ^[1]

Images

No images yet for this technique.

Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action — Snap-down of the head combined with reach for the far or near ankle — breaks posture and removes base

Joints Involved — Opponent's ankle (grasped and lifted), cervical spine (snap-down pressure), attacker's hips (level change)

Force Vector — Downward head pressure combined with upward ankle lift creates opposing forces that topple the opponent

Takedown Mechanic — Minimal-commitment attack — does not require deep level change or penetration step

Position & Entry

From collar tie (snap-down) — Snap the opponent's head down, reach for the far ankle while maintaining head pressure, lift and sweep

From hand fighting — Push-pull to break the opponent's posture, reach for the near or far ankle when they step forward

From two-on-one setup — Control one arm with two-on-one, use it to pull the opponent forward while reaching for the ankle

Videos

TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian

LEARN The BASIC Ankle Pick TAKEDOWN!!

Outside Ankle Pick·TeachMeGrappling Coach Brian

PLEASE Click this link to SUPPORT the TeachMeGrappling Channel!!! https://www.patreon.com/TeachMeGrappling or https:/…

Riccardo Mezzetti

Ankle Pick Defense (1)

Outside Ankle Pick·Riccardo Mezzetti

alcune soluzioni nella Difesa dalla presa della caviglia

2 videos

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Moderate3/10

Ankle pick uses minimal force; one of the lowest-impact takedowns

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate

Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Illegal

— IJF — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct han...

IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF

Restricted

— 2-4 points

UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF

Legal

— 2 points

IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF

— Unified MMA — Legal takedown technique

Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF

— ADCC — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match

ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF

— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — all takedowns permitted

FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF

— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal

FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF

— 2 points

NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDF

Training Notes

✓Push the opponent's weight laterally to load the far foot — use a post on their shoulder or a collar tie push

✓Reach to the outside of their far ankle while maintaining upper body control with the posting hand

✓Create the angle by stepping to the outside before reaching — don't reach across your body from square

✓The outside pick works best when the opponent is resisting your push and planting heavily

✓Use the outside ankle pick as a counter when the opponent circles into your push

✓Keep your base wide during the reach to prevent being pulled off balance

Common Mistakes

!Reaching across your body for the far ankle without stepping offline first — leaves you overextended

!Not pushing the opponent's weight onto the target foot before picking

!Dropping your head below their waist during the reach, giving up a front headlock

!Losing the posting hand control on their upper body, so they can follow you as you reach

!Trying to pick the far ankle when the opponent is moving away from you — it's a counter to forward pressure

!Standing too upright during the pick, unable to reach the ankle without bending at the waist

Related Techniques

Sprawl Defence — the primary defensive technique against this takedown

Counter Techniques

Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt Underhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entry Post and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angle Level Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence

Setup Chain

1Establish Contact — use grip, tie, or clinch to control the opponent

2Create Off-Balance — use push-pull action to disrupt the opponent's base

3Execute the Takedown — apply the specific takedown mechanic with commitment

4Follow to Ground — maintain control as the opponent goes down to secure position

Sources & References

Primary Source

Japanese amateur wrestling terminology

1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology

Japanese amateur wrestling terminology

2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention

Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities

3CitationJapanese amateur wrestling terminology

Standard katakana transliteration used in Japanese wrestling (レスリング)

Community

Athletics

Requires

hand speed, snap-down power, timing

Favours

long arms for reaching the ankle, quick reflexes

Key muscles

deltoids, forearm grip, core, neck (for snap-down)

Sub-techniques

Standard Outside Ankle Pick

Genus

The Standard Outside Ankle Pick executes the fundamental outside-angle ankle pick where the attacker pushes the opponent's weight to one side using a collar tie or post, then reaches to the outside of the loaded foot to scoop the ankle while maintaining head control. [1] The push-pull dynamic redirects the opponent's weight onto one foot while the reaching hand captures that ankle from the outside. [1,2] The finish involves pulling the ankle toward the attacker while driving the opponent's head and shoulders downward, creating a rotational collapse. [2] This technique is effective from both same-side and cross-body tie-up positions. [2,3]

Explore

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I grab the leg when doing an ankle pick?

Coach Brian emphasizes grabbing as close to the bottom of the ankle as possible, not higher up on the leg. Getting low on the ankle gives you better control for the takedown.

What's the biggest mistake people make when attacking the ankle pick?

Coach Brian points out that most people move forward as they reach for the leg, which puts their head in a vulnerable position. Instead, all your movement should go downward, then slightly to the side.

Should I hold onto my opponent's head after grabbing their ankle?

Coach Brian advises against holding the head once you have the foot—let go of the head and keep control of the foot only, as holding the head can leave you vulnerable to an armbar.

When is the best time to attack an ankle pick?

Coach Brian recommends waiting for your opponent to step a leg forward, as that gives you the opening to attack and control the extended leg.

How does the Outside Ankle Pick work?

The Outside Ankle Pick subfamily targets the opponent's far-side (outside) ankle, reaching to the outside of the opponent's stance to capture the far foot. The outside ankle pick requires creating an angle or using a cross-body reach to access the far ankle, often set up by pushing the opponent's weight to one side and then picking the weighted foot from the outside.

Where does the Outside Ankle Pick come from?

Outside ankle picks developed as a complementary technique to the inside variant, giving wrestlers an attack option from the opposite angle. The technique is taught across wrestling styles as part of the ankle pick system.

Is the Outside Ankle Pick legal in competition?

IJF: banned — Banned since 2010 leg grab prohibition — direct hansoku-make for touching opp…; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle (2-4 points), banned in Greco-Roman (no attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal — Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal — Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)

How dangerous is the Outside Ankle Pick?

Danger rating 3/10. Moderate — ankle pick uses minimal force; one of the lowest-impact takedowns

How do I set up the Outside Ankle Pick?

The standard setup chain: Establish Contact → Create Off-Balance → Execute the Takedown → Follow to Ground.

How do I defend against the Outside Ankle Pick?

Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Underhook — establish inside position to control distance and prevent the takedown entry / Post and Circle — post on the attacker's head and circle away to break their angle / Level Change Defence — recognize the shot early and react with appropriate hip defence.

What are the variants of the Outside Ankle Pick?

Common variants: Inside ankle pick (reaching to the near ankle from inside tie position); Outside ankle pick (reaching to the far ankle from outside angle); Snap-down to ankle pick (using a snap-down to expose the ankle for the pick).

How effective is the Outside Ankle Pick in competition?

The outside ankle pick is used in NCAA and international freestyle competition.

What are common mistakes when doing the Outside Ankle Pick?

Top errors to watch for: Reaching across your body for the far ankle without stepping offline first — leaves you overextended / Not pushing the opponent's weight onto the target foot before picking / Dropping your head below their waist during the reach, giving up a front headlock / Losing the posting hand control on their upper body, so they can follow you as you reach.

What are other names for the Outside Ankle Pick?

The Outside Ankle Pick is also known as Autosaido Ankuru Pikku, Far-Side Ankle Pick, Outside Ankle Grab, Soto Ashi-dori.

outside ankle pick autosaido ankuru pikku takedown leg attack takedown ankle pick wrestling mma brazilian jiu-jitsu far side ankle pick outside ankle grab soto ashi dori