Inefficient Technique —
Stomping Hard on the Board

Gymnastics: Don't Stomp the Board on the Vault Approach

Dick Moss, Editor, PE Update.com

During their approach run in the vault, many gymnasts make the mistake of taking a high last stride and stomping hard on the board, thinking this will generate a better rebound.

Actually, the opposite happens. Compressing the board too much actually wastes energy, since any downward movement must be absorbed before an upward rebound can take place. Besides reducing their approach speed, it can disturb your gymnasts' timing.

Better Technique —
Using a Low Final Stride

Better Technique
A better technique is to make the final stride long and close to the floor—almost like a forward, sliding step. By directing the final stride straight towards the board instead of in a high arc, the rebound will be quick and efficient.

References:
1. Common Errors in Women's Gymnastics, Contemporary Books, 1979.
2. Monem Jemni (Editor) The Science of Gymnastics, Routledge, 2011.

To download the pdf version of this
article, click here: Download Now