A good 80 percent of the vault is still physical and another of it, 20, 25 percent is mental.
Béla Károlyi, renowned gymnastics coach
The gymnastics vault is an event that requires strength, precision and technique. It’s one of the most exciting events of gymnastics competitions, combining speed and power with highly technical skills. This guide explains how the vault event works, how it is scored and highlights the athletes and routines that have marked vaulting!
Key Takeaways: A Quick Guide to the Vault Event
- 🏃♂️🤸♂️ Vault Event Basics: The vault involves sprinting, launching off a springboard, flipping over a vault table and landing with control. The run-up, pre-flight, table contact, post-flight and landing phases require precision and lots of power.
- 📝✅ Scoring System: Scores are based on difficulty (D-Score) and execution (E-Score). Mistakes such as poor form or unstable landings lead to deductions...
- 🌟🏆 Gymnastics Legends: Athletes like Yang Hak-seon, Ri Se-gwang, Kenzo Shirai and Igor Radivilov have pushed the limits of the sport with their extraordinary vault routines!
- 🎥👏 Iconic Performances: Yang Hak-seon’s triple-twisting vault at the 2012 Olympics and Ri Se-gwang’s gold-winning routines in 2016 are just a few highlights of the event's history.
- 💪⏱️ Mastering the Vault: Success requires speed, explosive strength and refined technique. Controlled landings and consistent practice are essential for improvement.
- 🧑🏫 Learning with Superprof: Superprof connects aspiring gymnasts with expert coaches who can provide personalized guidance. In-person or online, our coaches can help you build skills and confidence on the vault!
What is the Vault Event?
First off, what is the vault event? In the vault event, gymnasts perform high-energy maneuvers over an apparatus called the "vault table." Success depends on speed, control and the ability to perform complex twists and flips in a short period.
Are you looking to learn all about pommel horse too?
Equipment Used
Vault Table
Modern vault tables replaced the older "vaulting horse" to enhance safety and allow gymnasts to perform more advanced movements. The table is now wider and more stable.
Springboard
The springboard is the launching point for gymnasts, giving them the push and the height required for their routines.
Runway
The runway is where gymnasts sprint to build the momentum needed for their vault. It provides athletes with a runway to build up maximum speed.
Vaulting athletes typically reach speeds between 13 to 15 miles per hour on the runway, depending on their physical capabilities, technique and objectives!
Would you like to know about the men's gymnastics still rings event?
Phases of the Vault
The vault event has five key phases. Let's take a look!
Phase One
Run-up
Gymnasts sprint to the springboard, aiming for optimal speed.
Phase Two
Pre-flight
The moment after leaving the springboard but before touching the vault table.
Phase Three
Table Contact
Gymnasts push off the vault table with their hands, adding height and rotation.
Phase Four
Post-flight
The aerial phase where twists and flips occur.
Phase Five
Landing
A controlled landing is key to minimize deductions and complete the routine successfully.
Which phase is your favorite?
Scoring the Vault Event
Scoring in the vault event is based on difficulty and execution. Judges look for a combination of technical precision, clean form and a controlled landing. How does the scoring work? Here is the breakdown!
Difficulty Score (D-Score)
Each vault is assigned a difficulty rating based on its complexity, including the number of twists, flips and overall challenge.
Execution Score (E-Score)
Gymnasts begin with a perfect 10.0. Deductions are made for mistakes such as bent knees, poor form or steps on the landing.
Final Score
For competitions where two vaults are required, the scores are averaged. Otherwise, the single vault’s score is used.
Common Deductions
Insufficient height or distance, form errors like bent arms or legs, and stumbling or stepping out of bounds during the landing.
Are you interested in the men's gymnastics parallel bars event?
Men’s Gymnastics Stars on the Vault
Many male gymnasts have left their mark on the vault event, performing extraordinary routines that pushed gymnastics forward! Let's look at our top 4! If you have personal favorite gymnastic athletes, do not hesitate to share them in the comments below! 👇
Yang Hak-seon (South Korea)
Yang Hak-seon is renowned for creating and executing one of the most challenging vaults ever performed. This triple-twisting handspring front layout demonstrates his exceptional skill and has become a benchmark in gymnastics. Here is a YouTube show on this star athlete!
Ri Se-gwang (North Korea)
Ri Se-gwang’s innovative vaults have earned him a place among the all-time greats. He developed multiple skills that bear his name and claimed Olympic gold in 2016 for his groundbreaking performances! Here is a recap of his success on YouTube presented by Arirang News.
Here's a quick guide to the men's gymnastics horizontal bar!
Kenzo Shirai (Japan)
Known for his twisting expertise, Kenzo Shirai’s routines praise precision and creativity. His ability to perform intricate combinations has set him apart on the vault. In this YouTube video, we’ll explore the six signature skills named after Kenzo Shirai!
Igor Radivilov (Ukraine)
Igor Radivilov is recognized for his daring routines, including the highly challenging Radivilov vault. This vault includes a front handspring triple front somersault... Watch it here!
Iconic Vault Routines
Over the years, numerous vault routines have shaped the event, demonstrating the incredible range of skills and techniques that gymnasts bring to the mat. To provide more variety, we’ve highlighted iconic performances from athletes not mentioned earlier in "Men’s Gymnastics Stars on the Vault." These routines present different styles and approaches. Be sure to check out these i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e performances! They represent some of the most memorable moments in vault gymnastics.
Carlos Yulo (Philippines)
Carlos Yulo has risen to prominence with his explosive and technically refined vault routines. His performances demonstrate incredible height, speed and clean landings. The have earned him respect on the world stage and several podium finishes! Watch his latest win at the Paris 2024 Olympics on YouTube.
Artur Dalaloyan (Russia)
Artur Dalaloyan combines strength, finesse and consistently polished vaults that demonstrate his athleticism and control. His success at the World Championships reflects his dedication and skill in this event!
Marian Drăgulescu (Romania)
Romanian gymnast Marian Drăgulescu redefined vaulting with his namesake skill, the Drăgulescu. His handspring double front somersault with a half-twist remains one of the most technically demanding and iconic vaults ever performed! Drăgulescu’s mastery of this skill has inspired generations of gymnasts. In this YouTube video he even gets credited with one of the best landings!
Vitaly Scherbo (Belarus)
Vitaly Scherbo, one of gymnastics’ greatest athletes, performed with consistency and precision at the 1992 Olympics. His vault routines contributed to his impressive medal haul! Here is the vault event final from the 1992 Olympics on YouTube!
Keys to Success on the Vault
Achieving excellence on the vault requires a combination of physical preparation and mental focus.
Key 1
Sprint Training
Speed is essential for a successful vault. Gymnasts often train with sprinting drills to maximize acceleration on the runway.
Key 2
Strength and Power
Exercises like squats, box jumps and plyometrics help gymnasts build explosive power for their routines.
Key 3
Form and Technique
Precision in body positioning, hand placement and timing is key during every phase of the vault.
Key 4
Controlled Landings
Practice landing techniques to reduce deductions and avoid injuries.
Key 5
Mental Focus
Confidence and the ability to remain calm under pressure are important for executing high-difficulty skills.
Would you like to know more about the men's floor gymnastic event?
Evolution of the Vault
The vault event has transformed significantly over the years, reflecting advancements in equipment and technique.
Changes in Equipment
The introduction of the wider vault table in 2001 replaced the traditional vaulting horse. This change improved safety and allowed gymnasts to attempt more complex routines. As gymnasts develop new skills, the difficulty level of vault routines continues to rise. Vaults like the Produnova (handspring double front somersault) and the Yang 2 demonstrate how athletes consistently push the boundaries of the sport!
Pay attention to the evolution of the vault tables on this guide to vault gymnastics on YouTube!
How Superprof Can Help You Learn the Vault in Gymnastics
Superprof is a resourceful platform that connects students with skilled gymnastics coaches across the US, making it easier to improve vaulting skills at any level. Whether you’re just starting or working to refine advanced techniques, the platform offers access to a variety of experienced instructors who adapt lessons to individual needs and objective.
Through Superprof, you can find coaches who specialize in vault training, covering everything from building speed on the runway to achieving proper hand placement on the vault table. Beginners can focus on mastering foundational skills like approach runs and controlled landings, while experienced gymnasts can work on increasing the difficulty of their routines with expert guidance. Personalized coaching ensures you receive detailed feedback to improve technique and reduce common errors.
Instructors can assist with conditioning exercises, skill-specific drills and competition preparation, all of which are critical for excelling in vault gymnastics. Many coaches have professional or competitive experience, giving them valuable insights into how to succeed in the sport. Whether you’re training for fun or competition, Superprof helps you find the right instructor to strengthen your performance, build confidence, and achieve your gymnastics goals.
Would you like to learn more about the six different men's gymnastics events?
Memorable Moments in the Vault Event
The vault has provided some of gymnastics' most thrilling moments. From Yang Hak-seon’s Olympic performances to the daring feats of Ri Se-gwang and Igor Radivilov, the event remains a showcase of athleticism and creativity. As the sport evolves, new gymnasts are poised to make their mark with routines that challenge expectations and redefine what is possible. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to gymnastics, the vault is a perfect display of strength, skill, and precision.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
