How to Perform a Handspring Vault in Gymnastics

The first stunting vault a gymnast learns will also serve as a foundation for progressively more difficult vaults. The front handspring on the vault is different from the front handspring used in tumbling, but with the correct technique, you’ll be sailing over the horse in no time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Separate the handspring vault into three distinct parts. As the shortest event a gymnast receives a score for, the vault demands speed, power and precision. By perfecting the three segments of the vault, each part will increase the success of the next part.

2. Run down the runway as fast as you can. Speed is imperative in building up the momentum needed to complete a good handspring vault. Have your coach or a teammate time your run and try to beat your own record. Bend your arms at a 90-degree angle and pump them as you run. Run on the balls of your feet. You can’t generate speed by running flat-footed.

3. Hit the springboard right on the line. To determine the correct place to begin your run, stand on the line and take large steps backwards, counting as you go. When you reach the beginning of the runway, ask the coach to put a piece of tape on the floor with your name on it. Begin your run in that spot each time you vault.

4. Perform the handspring by combining your run and bounce with a preflight to the horse; landing on the horse with your hands, and then continuing to your landing. The more preflight you have, the more repulsion you will have. Unlike the handspring on the floor, your weight is moving and upward and your arms serve only as a temporary support and a boost to repel your body.

5. Block through your shoulders to create more repulsion before landing. The judges will deduct for landings too close to the horse but by performing a forceful shrug through your shoulder and chest, you can propel yourself further.

6. Land with your feet together or separated slightly and regain your balance without touching the mat or falling backwards. Finish in the correct gymnastic stance.

Tips & Warnings

• In gymnastics' competition, stand at the starting point of your run and as soon as the head judge salutes you, return her salute and prepare to run. When you finish your vault, turn and salute the judge one more time before walking away.
• When spotting a gymnast on a handspring vault, stand in front of the vault and to one side in order to grab the gymnast's wrist with one hand and use your other hand to push her over if falls backwards. In competition, you may not touch her or she will receive a deduction but you may stand by her for moral support.