Vault AO2

The Vault

Skills

The gymnast must be able to run really fast along the runway because this is where all they get all the power for the after-flight.

They have to keep their jump onto the springboard low and long to get forward momentum and not get too far forward on the board.

Their feet should be in front on them when they land on the board

It is important to get their hands on the right place on the vault depending on which type of vault they are doing.

One of the main skills is to keep really tight in the body so that you can bounce easily and fly straight into the after-flight.

On landing they have to keep the knees bent so they don’t hurt their knees and then keep standing with a good finishing position.

The most skilled Vaulters have a very fast run-up, a long, low jump, a tight pre-flight with a quick exit off the vault, an excellent after-flight and a good landing.

Another skill is to make it aesthetically pleasing for the judges so they will give more points.

Techniques

The techniques in vault are to get a good fast run up, to have clarity of shape when in the air, to have good balance when landing and in the air, start and finish positions,  to get good height from the springboard and make sure it is aesthetically pleasing for the judges.

A good fast run up is essential because without it you don’t get much height therefore you won’t get much time in the air to do what you want to.

If you don’t have a good clarity of shape then the judges won’t know which vault you are doing so they will drop points. Also if it is not aesthetically pleasing the judges will drop points. If you mess up the landing or stumble then you will lose points.

Tactics

There aren’t any tactics for vault. You just have to make it aesthetically pleasing for the judges so they will give you more points.

Strategies

There is only one strategy in vault and that is to go for a simpler and easier vault, perfect it and get more points or to try something harder and try to get the highest points.