How should the hand placement change when attempting an anke lock?

When attempting an ankle lock, a submission hold that targets the ankle joint, precise hand placement is crucial for maximizing leverage and applying the technique effectively. Initially, one hand should secure the opponent's foot, typically gripping the toes or instep to control the foot's direction and prevent escape. The other hand should then be positioned to reinforce the grip, either by clasping the hand that is already holding the foot, or by securing the opponent's lower leg near the Achilles tendon. The critical adjustment in hand placement involves ensuring that the pressure is focused on the ankle joint itself. This requires precise placement of the hands to create a fulcrum point, allowing for targeted hyperextension or hyperflexion of the ankle. For example, in a standard ankle lock, one hand may cup the heel, while the other hand applies pressure to the top of the foot, forcing it into plantar flexion. If the grip is too high on the leg, the pressure will be distributed across the calf, reducing the effectiveness of the submission. Therefore, hand placement must be meticulously adjusted to isolate the ankle joint and apply concentrated pressure.