Vault in Gymnastics
Speed. Block.Fly and Stick.
Vault is one of the fastest and most explosive events in gymnastics. A great vault combines a powerful run, a sharp hurdle, aggressive board contact, a strong block off the table, and a controlled landing. Even though the event happens quickly, each phase matters.
The best vaults are built through clean basics first. When the run, hurdle, board, and block are technically strong, the flight becomes higher, the shapes become cleaner, and the landing becomes more confident.
What Is Vault?
Vault is an event where the gymnast sprints down the runway, performs a hurdle onto the springboard, contacts the vault table, blocks powerfully through the shoulders, and finishes with a landing. Depending on the level, the vault may be a straight jump vault, handspring vault, front handspring variation, half-on entry, or a more advanced flipping and twisting vault.
Vault may look simple because it happens so quickly, but it is actually made of several connected phases. If one phase is weak—such as the run, hurdle, board punch, or block—the whole vault becomes less powerful and harder to control.
Vault Phases
Run
Build speed with tall posture, quick feet, strong arm drive, and a controlled approach that stays powerful without getting sloppy.
Hurdle & Board
The hurdle should be quick and low. Feet contact the board together, the core stays tight, and the arms lift fast into the takeoff.
Block
The gymnast pushes strongly through straight arms with open shoulders to create lift. A powerful block is one of the most important parts of vault.
Flight & Landing
After the block, the body stays tight and controlled in the air, then finishes with a lifted chest, safe knees, and a confident landing.
What Good Vault Technique Looks Like
- Consistent run: same steps, strong acceleration, and eyes focused down the runway
- Quick board punch: feet together, heels lifted, and no collapse through the chest
- Straight-arm block: push through the shoulders instead of bending the elbows
- Tight body shape: keep the core engaged and legs together with pointed toes
- Controlled finish: land with balance, chest lifted, and minimal movement of the feet
Safety First
Vault should always be trained with proper mats, a correct setup, and qualified coaching. Advanced vaults should never be rushed. If the run feels out of control, the hurdle feels inconsistent, or the block is weak, the athlete should return to simpler drills first.
Safe progressions such as runway sprints, board punches, handstand flat backs, and blocking drills are essential before moving toward more difficult vaults.
Popular Vault Tutorials
Running Hurdle
Learn the speed and rhythm that start every stronger vault.
Learn Running Hurdle →Springboard Jump
Practice a tight, quick board punch that turns speed into lift.
Learn Springboard Jump →Straight Jump Vault
Build approach confidence, clean body shape, and safer landings.
Learn Straight Jump Vault →Handstand Flat Back
Train blocking mechanics and shape control before harder entries.
Learn Handstand Flat Back →Handspring Vault
Develop the key vault entry that teaches strong contact and lift off the table.
Learn Handspring Vault →Stick Landing
Finish stronger vaults with better control, posture, and confidence.
Learn Stick Landing →How to Improve Faster on Vault
Vault improvement usually comes from repeating the basic phases with better quality. Run mechanics, hurdle rhythm, board punches, straight-arm blocking, handstand line drills, and landing control all help athletes improve faster. A gymnast who learns to generate power cleanly will usually progress more safely and consistently than a gymnast who only tries to throw harder vaults.
Work for speed with control, power with shape, and confidence with consistency. That combination is what makes vault look strong and exciting.
Ready to Improve on Vault?
Use this page as your starting point, then explore the individual vault tutorials to build stronger basics, sharper blocking, and more confident landings.