In the vault event, gymnasts sprint down a runway, hit a springboard, push off a vaulting table with their hands and perform flips and twists in the air before landing on a mat. It is the shortest event in gymnastics, lasting only a few seconds, but it demands speed, power, precise technique and a controlled landing. Under FIG norms, the runway is up to 25 meters long, and the vaulting table stands about 1.25 meters high for women and about 1.35 meters high for men. Vaults are grouped into families based on how the gymnast enters the table, such as handspring, Tsukahara and Yurchenko vaults. Each vault has a set difficulty value, and judges deduct for form, height, distance, direction and landing errors.
How a vault works
Every vault has several phases: the run, the hurdle onto the springboard, the first flight onto the table, the push off the table called the block, the second flight where saltos and twists happen, and the landing. Speed from the run is converted into power through the springboard and the block. A strong block creates height and distance, which gives the gymnast time to complete rotations and prepare for a controlled landing. Because the whole vault happens so quickly, small technical errors early on have a big effect later.
The apparatus
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Runway | Up to about 25 m long |
| Springboard | Spring-loaded board that launches the gymnast toward the table |
| Vaulting table | About 1.25 m high for women, 1.35 m for men |
| Landing mats | Thick mats to absorb the landing |
| Safety collar | Placed around the springboard for round-off entry vaults |
Vault families
| Family | Entry |
|---|---|
| Handspring | Front handspring onto the table, then forward rotation off |
| Tsukahara | Handspring with a quarter or half turn onto the table, then a backward salto off |
| Yurchenko | Round-off onto the springboard, back handspring onto the table, then a backward salto off |
| Round-off entries with half turn | Round-off onto the board with a half turn onto the table, then a forward salto off |
Within each family, difficulty increases with more rotations and twists. For example, Yurchenko vaults range from a simple layout to vaults with two and a half twists, often called the Amanar. Handspring vaults range from a handspring with a front tuck to far more complex double front saltos. Many vaults are named after the first gymnast to perform them in a major international competition.
How vault is scored
Each vault in the Code of Points has a fixed difficulty value, which becomes the D-score. The E-score starts at 10.0 and loses points for errors throughout the vault, including bent arms or legs, insufficient height or distance, poor body shape, deviation from a straight line and landing faults such as steps, hops or falls. Neutral penalties can apply for issues such as landing outside the marked area. In all-around and team competition, gymnasts usually perform one vault. To qualify for and compete in the vault final, gymnasts perform two different vaults, and the two scores are averaged. Rules note: rules and apparatus details are based on the FIG Code of Points and Apparatus Norms; national programs such as USA Gymnastics may apply different rules at developmental levels.
How to learn vault step by step
- Build sprint speed and practice a consistent run.
- Learn the hurdle onto the springboard with arms swinging up.
- Practice springboard jumps onto a mat stack.
- Learn a handstand flat back onto a stack of mats.
- Progress to a front handspring vault onto soft mats with a coach.
- Add rotation and twists through drills on trampolines and into foam pits.
- Train on the regulation table once skills are consistent.
- Refine landings to stick the vault with no steps.
The keys to a great vault
Speed: A fast, controlled run builds the energy needed for height and rotation. Board contact: Hitting the springboard with the balls of the feet and a tight body transfers energy efficiently. Block: A quick, powerful push through straight arms and shoulders off the table creates the second flight. Body shape: Tight, clean positions in the air reduce deductions and allow faster rotation. Landing: Spotting the mat and landing with knees slightly bent helps gymnasts stick the vault.
Common mistakes on vault
| Mistake | Effect |
|---|---|
| Slow run | Low height and short distance |
| Weak board contact | Poor first flight |
| Bent arms on the table | Weak block and deductions |
| Pike or arch in the body | Form deductions and loss of power |
| Crooked vault | Direction deductions |
| Steps or falls on landing | Landing deductions |
Men’s vs women’s vault
Men and women use the same vault families and the same basic technique, but there are some differences. The men’s table is set higher, at about 1.35 meters, reflecting generally greater height and power. Men’s vaults often feature more powerful saltos and twisting combinations, while women’s vaults emphasize speed, precision and clean landings as well as difficulty. Both men and women perform two different vaults in the apparatus final. Some vaults are shared across both programs, and many skills carry the names of the gymnasts who first performed them, regardless of gender.
Watching vault as a fan
Because vault happens so fast, it helps to know what to watch. Look first at the run and board contact: a powerful, consistent approach sets up a strong vault. Watch the block off the table and the height of the second flight, since more height allows cleaner rotations. Notice body shape in the air, such as a tight tuck, pike or straight layout, and whether twists are completed before landing. Finally, focus on the landing. A stuck landing with no steps is a major advantage, and commentators often highlight how close gymnasts come to sticking. Slow-motion replays reveal details like bent arms or crossed legs that judges deduct.
Vault at developmental levels
Younger or less experienced gymnasts often vault onto a stack of mats instead of the table, performing handstand flat backs or front handsprings. Developmental programs may use lower table heights and simplified vaults. As gymnasts gain strength and confidence, they progress to regulation height and more complex vaults. This gradual approach builds skills safely and prepares gymnasts for competition vaults.
A brief history of the vault
For decades, gymnasts vaulted over a long, narrow vaulting horse. Women vaulted over the width and men over the length. In the early 2000s, the FIG replaced the horse with the vaulting table, which has a larger, more stable surface for hand placement. The change improved safety, particularly for round-off entry vaults, and allowed more ambitious vaults to develop.
Safety and health note
Vault involves high speed and powerful landings, which place stress on the wrists, shoulders, knees and ankles. Always learn vaults with a qualified coach, proper matting and progressions, and use a safety collar for round-off entry vaults. Health note: this article is general information, not medical advice. Seek medical advice for persistent joint pain or any injury.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the vault table?
About 1.25 meters for women and 1.35 meters for men under FIG norms.
What is a Yurchenko vault?
A vault that enters with a round-off onto the springboard and a back handspring onto the table.
How many vaults do gymnasts perform in finals?
Two different vaults, with the scores averaged.
