Introduction to Low Ankle Attacks
Brock Hardy demonstrates his signature low ankle attack techniques used to reach national finals competition. Hardy breaks down multiple finishing variations that prove effective against elite-level opponents. The core principle involves adapting technique selection based on opponent positioning and pressure.
Reading Opponent Stance and Pressure
Technique selection depends on whether the opponent distributes weight to their heels or toes. When an opponent's heel is elevated, ankle picks become viable. When weight transfers to the toes or forward pressure increases, different attack angles must be employed to maintain effectiveness.
The Pressure-Based Ankle Attack
When an opponent drives forward pressure, the ankle pick becomes unavailable and requires an alternative approach. Hardy pulls the opponent's head downward and attacks the far ankle by reaching toward the back of the leg. Immediate knee positioning after contact is critical to prevent the opponent from turning into the attacker.
Finishing Position and Shin Pick Detail
Upon establishing control of the ankle, the knee must switch immediately to prevent escape. The technique concludes with a high crotch finish achieved through a knee pick and shin control. The grip hand drives upward while the opposite hand creates a 'dino' lever effect similar to rock climbing movements.
Bilateral Execution and Hand Variation
Wrestlers must develop proficiency attacking with both the left and right hand to maintain unpredictability. Hardy demonstrates executing the ankle attack from the opposite side to prevent pattern recognition by experienced opponents. Both hands should be equally developed regardless of dominant hand preference.
Collar Tie Setup and Space Creation
The low single attack can be initiated from a collar tie position when the opponent maintains heavy weight on one foot. Creating space by extending the collar tie hand straight is essential before circling to attack the opposite leg. Footwork requires circling with the opposite foot forward to achieve proper angle and depth.
Low Penetration Technique and Depth
Low penetration requires dropping the hips significantly and placing the forearm on the mat while wrapping with the pinky finger. The shoe side contacts the opponent's ankle as the attacker moves low rather than forward. Proper depth positioning prevents being caught in a shallow, disadvantageous stance where the opponent can apply heavy pressure.
Head Placement and Pressure Application
Rather than leading with the head toward the knee, Hardy positions his neck against the inside of the opponent's knee for consistent pressure. This positioning maintains control even if the opponent slightly moves their knee, whereas head-first approaches lose pressure with minor adjustments. The attacker drives through the neck placement while keeping feet squeezed for stability.
Brock Hardy Low Single Leg Attacks | Technique Tuesday
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Low Ankle Attacks
- •Reading Opponent Stance and Pressure
- •The Pressure-Based Ankle Attack
- •Finishing Position and Shin Pick Detail
In this week’s Technique Tuesday, NCAA finalist Brock Hardy breaks down his signature low single leg attacks and how to finish takedowns against high-level opponents. Whether you’re struggling to score from a single leg or looking to upgrade your wrestling takedown finishes, this video is packed with details you won’t find anywhere else. Learn how to: - Choose the right takedown based on your opponent’s pressure - Set up low singles from collar ties and elbow control - Finish your single leg even when you’re extended or on your knee - Attack both sides using either hand for low-level wrestling takedowns Time Stamps: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:19 - Low Single or Ankle Pick? 00:02:54 - Opposite Hand Attack 00:04:31 - Finishing Low Single 00:06:37 - Outro These are the exact takedown techniques Hardy used to reach the NCAA finals—and the same ones he’ll use to chase a title this year. Get the Athletes Ocean iOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/athlete... Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to access all of the latest wrestling videos! Website: https://www.flowrestling.org Subscribe: http://bit.ly/2p4v31C Get the FloSports iOS app: http://bit.ly/FloWrestlingiOSApp_9 Follow FloWrestling Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloWrestling/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/flowrestling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowrestling/
Related Techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about standard low single?
This video covers introduction to low ankle attacks, reading opponent stance and pressure, the pressure-based ankle attack. It provides detailed instruction from FloWrestling.
How long does it take to learn standard low single?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing standard low single?
Low penetration requires dropping the hips significantly and placing the forearm on the mat while wrapping with the pinky finger. The shoe side contacts the opponent's ankle as the attacker moves low rather than forward. Proper depth positioning prevents being caught in a shallow, disadvantageous stance where the opponent can apply heavy pressure.
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