by Dreidle Flare

Created on: September 16, 2009   Last Updated: September 17, 2009

"Gymnastics tells you no. All day long. It mocks you over and over again. Telling you, you're an idiot. That you're crazy. If you like running full speed towards a stationary object, vault's for you." -Haley Graham, "Stick It"

In gymnastics, vault is generally one of the least favorite events among competitors, however, it can be one of the most exciting and powerful events to watch.

The Run

It all starts with the Run. If you don't get a good running start, you will not be soaring over the vault table at all. More than likely, you'll be smashing into it. In competitive events, the Run is even judged at some levels, contributing to the final score. In some levels, the girls must start out their Run at a jog, or slow pace, and then significantly increase their speed so that they are running noticeably faster, at full speed, preferably, by the time they reach the spring board. Failure to do so results in points taken off their score.

You would think a good run would be easy to accomplish. But, in gymnastics, it isn't. There are countless running drills and exercises gymnasts go through to achieve a perfect Run. In addition to the fact that you really are running full speed towards a stationary object that you intend to jump, flip and twist over, you must also think about:

-Leaning forward as you run

-Running on your toes

-Kicking your feet back with each step

-Swinging your arms at a 90 degree angle

-Running as hard and as fast as your legs will carry you.

The Hurdle

The next step is the Hurdle to the springboard. To execute this correctly, the gymnast must be leaning backward as she takes off from the runway to the board. Most gymnasts are taught to pretend like they are sitting in a chair as they hurdle to the board. This is important because, if the gymnast is leaning forward, she will slam into the vault table, rather than going up and over it. The gymnast's arms should make a full circle backwards and when her feet hit the board, her arms should be down by her side, ready to swing up as she jumps.

The Preflight

As the gymnast prepares to jump from the board to the vault table, her body should be as tight as possible. The tighter she squeezes her muscles, the more control she will have over her body while it is in the air. Her arms should be by her ears; shoulders and hands poised to push off the vault table as hard as she can once she makes contact.

The Afterflight

This is the part of the vault where you will see the gymnast soaring in the air, spinning,

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