Gymnastics Vault Routines for Levels 1–5: A Detailed Overview

Gymnastics is a sport that requires strength, flexibility, and coordination. The vault, in particular, is an event that showcases explosive power and precise technique.

For young gymnasts starting their journey, levels 1-5 provide a structured pathway to develop the fundamental skills needed to excel in this exciting event.

Level 1 Vault Routine

At Level 1, the goal of the vault routine is to introduce gymnasts to the basic mechanics of vaulting. At this stage, gymnasts are not yet required to vault over an actual table, a fixture in more advanced levels.

Instead, they use a mat stack to practice and perfect key components such as the approach run, jump, and landing. This level’s main emphasis is teaching gymnasts how to safely and effectively use the springboard, control their body during flight, and land in a balanced position.

Vault Type: Straight Jump Onto and Off a Mat Stack

Gymnasts perform a straight jump from a springboard onto a mat stack, followed by a straight jump off. This allows them to get accustomed to the feel of the springboard and mat while developing timing, body coordination, and control.

The mat stack provides a safer, more forgiving landing surface, helping gymnasts build confidence in their vaulting technique.

Technique Focus:

• Run and Hurdle Mechanics

Gymnasts work on developing a smooth, consistent run, focusing on maintaining speed and proper posture. The hurdle, or the final step before contacting the springboard, is a critical skill that gymnasts begin refining at this level. It must be executed with balance and precision to transition into the jump.

• Springboard Contact:

Gymnasts learn to plant their feet correctly on the springboard, emphasizing an explosive take-off. A proper hurdle and springboard contact are essential for creating enough power and height for future vaults. The correct placement of arms, generally swung upward, assists in creating lift.

• Body Shape in Flight:

During the jump, gymnasts are encouraged to maintain a tight, straight body line. Coaches emphasize proper form by instructing gymnasts to keep their body extended with feet together and arms straight above the head. This helps them develop the muscle memory and discipline needed for future vaults where form and body control are paramount.

• Controlled Landings:

Landing mechanics are a key component of the routine. Gymnasts are taught to land softly, bending their knees slightly to absorb the impact and prevent injury. A controlled landing is critical, with arms raised in a finishing position, signaling the conclusion of the vault.

Height of Mat Stack: 16 Inches

At this beginner level, the mat stack is set to a height of 16 inches, providing a gentle challenge without overwhelming the gymnast. The height is appropriate for young athletes to build confidence while still offering enough elevation for them to focus on their jumping technique.

Key Skills Developed:

1. Running Form: Gymnasts practice maintaining a balanced, efficient running technique, which is essential for generating the momentum required for more complex vaults at higher levels.
2. Hurdling and Springboard Contact: The hurdle and springboard take-off are emphasized, as these lay the groundwork for every vault skill. Gymnasts learn to approach the springboard with control and leave it with power.
3. Body Control: Gymnasts begin to understand how to maintain proper posture and body tension in the air, focusing on keeping their body straight and aligned during the jump. This awareness is crucial for executing vaults with precision.
4. Landing Technique: Controlled landings help gymnasts develop coordination and balance, skills that are essential across all apparatuses. Coaches emphasize the importance of landing with feet together, absorbing impact through the legs, and finishing with a strong, balanced posture​.

Level 2 Vault Routine

The Level 2 vault routine is a progression from Level 1, aimed at building more strength, confidence, and control in the gymnasts’ approach to the vault.

It introduces the handstand flat-back vault onto a raised mat stack, preparing gymnasts for more complex vaults in later levels. The routine focuses on improving upper body strength, proper form in the handstand, and the ability to fall safely into a flat-back position.

Vault Type: Handstand Flat-Back onto a Mat Stack

Gymnasts perform a handstand on the vault with a fall to a flat-back on a mat stack. This vault is a vital step in the development of the front handspring vault, which they will perform at later levels.

The emphasis is on achieving a clean handstand position, pushing off the hands from the vault table (or a padded mat surface), and landing with a controlled fall onto the back.

Technique Focus:

• Run and Hurdle Mechanics:

Similar to Level 1, gymnasts focus on maintaining a consistent and powerful run leading into a hurdle. The hurdle sets the gymnast up for a strong push onto the springboard, helping create lift for the handstand position.

• Springboard Contact:

As in Level 1, gymnasts must learn to time their springboard contact precisely, using an explosive push to propel themselves into a strong handstand. Correct foot and arm placement at take-off is crucial for stability and height.

• Handstand Position:

A well-executed handstand is the core of this routine. Gymnasts should aim for a fully extended handstand position, with arms locked out, a tight body line, and feet together. This body control is essential for maintaining form and alignment in higher-level vaults​.

• Fall to Flat-Back:

After achieving the handstand, the gymnast falls backward in a controlled motion, landing flat on their back on a mat stack. The fall is designed to develop a sense of body control while learning how to land safely from inverted positions. Gymnasts are taught to maintain tension in the body while absorbing the impact of the landing​.

Height of Mat Stack: 24 Inches

At this level, the mat stack is raised to 24 inches, adding more height to the vault. This increase in elevation challenges the gymnasts to generate more power during the run and springboard contact while providing a safe landing surface for the handstand flat-back drill​.

Key Skills Developed:

1. Upper Body Strength: Holding and pushing off the handstand position helps gymnasts develop the upper body strength needed for more advanced vaults.
2. Handstand Alignment: The focus on hitting a perfect handstand builds a strong foundation for skills like front handsprings and vaults that require inverted flight positions.
3. Controlled Falls: Learning to control the body during a fall helps gymnasts prepare for the various landing scenarios they will encounter as vaults become more complex.

Level 3 Vault Routine

The Level 3 vault routine is an important progression from Levels 1 and 2. At this level, gymnasts are introduced to vaulting over an actual mat stack.

The focus is on developing proper body tension and learning to push off with the hands during the handstand flat-back vault, which continues to be the vault performed at this level.

Vault Type: Handstand Flat-Back Over a Raised Mat Stack

In Level 3, gymnasts perform a handstand flat-back vault similar to the Level 2 vault, but the mat stack is raised higher to create a more challenging element.

The purpose of this vault is to build strength in the arms and shoulders, teach proper body alignment, and practice generating power off the hands for future vaults like the front handspring.

Technique Focus:

• Run and Hurdle:

Gymnasts must continue working on a strong, controlled run and hurdle. The speed and technique in the approach are essential for creating enough power to push off into the handstand. The hurdle should be well-timed and smooth to transition into the jump.

• Springboard Contact:

As in previous levels, gymnasts focus on a powerful, well-timed springboard take-off. Proper arm positioning and timing are essential for generating enough lift to perform the handstand and push off the mat stack.

• Handstand Position and Push:

The gymnast should achieve a straight, tight body line in the handstand, with arms extended and legs together. Once in the handstand, the focus shifts to generating a strong block (push) off the mat with the hands.

This movement, called a “block,” is a key component in higher-level vaults, where gymnasts will need to propel themselves into flight over the vault table.

• Flat-Back Landing:

After the handstand block, gymnasts fall to a flat-back position on the mat stack. The fall should be controlled, with the gymnast maintaining body tension throughout the landing to absorb the impact safely.

This routine helps gymnasts practice aligning their body correctly and learning to fall in a controlled manner, preparing them for more complex landings.

Height of Mat Stack: 32 Inches

At Level 3, the mat stack is raised to 32 inches, making the vault more challenging and requiring the gymnast to generate more power and lift. The increased height helps gymnasts build the strength and explosive power needed for future vaults.

Key Skills Developed:

1. Arm Strength and Blocking Technique: The focus on pushing off from the handstand builds arm and shoulder strength while introducing the blocking technique necessary for front handsprings and more complex vaults.
2. Body Tension and Alignment: Maintaining a tight, straight body position in the handstand teaches gymnasts proper alignment, which is critical for successfully executing higher-level vaults and other skills.
3. Powerful Take-Off: The run and springboard contact emphasize generating power and speed, which are vital for achieving the necessary height and distance as gymnasts advance.
4. Controlled Landings: Learning to fall in a controlled manner helps gymnasts master body control during landings, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall performance.

Level 4 Vault Routine

Level 4 marks a significant milestone in a gymnast’s vault progression, as this is the first level where gymnasts perform a front handspring over the vault table.

This routine builds upon the skills developed in Levels 1–3 and introduces gymnasts to a real vault table. The front handspring vault emphasizes generating power and height, maintaining body tension, and executing a controlled landing.

This vault serves as the foundation for more advanced vaulting techniques, such as Tsukaharas and Yurchenkos, which gymnasts will encounter at higher levels.

Vault Type: Front Handspring Over the Vault Table

The Level 4 vault routine involves a front handspring over a standard vault table. Gymnasts approach the vault with a run, jump off the springboard, execute a handstand onto the vault table, and push off into a flight phase before landing on the mat. This is a foundational vault for more complex skills.

Technique Focus:

• Approach and Run:

A strong, consistent run is critical in the Level 4 vault, as speed is necessary to generate the power needed for a successful handspring. The run should be smooth, with no stutter steps or loss of momentum, and the gymnast should aim to hit the springboard with the proper stride length​.

• Springboard Take-Off:

Correct contact with the springboard is essential for generating the necessary lift to reach the handstand position on the vault table. The gymnast must place both feet firmly on the springboard and use an explosive push, while swinging the arms upwards to aid in creating the lift.

• Handstand and Block:

Upon reaching the vault table, the gymnast performs a handstand, maintaining a straight body line with feet together. The key focus here is the blocking action, where the gymnast pushes off the vault table with straight arms and an open shoulder angle. The block is crucial for generating the height and distance required during the second flight phase.

• Second Flight Phase:

After the block, the gymnast enters the second flight phase. Maintaining body tension is crucial, with the legs straight, toes pointed, and the body in a stretched position. The goal is to achieve both height and distance in this flight phase before preparing for the landing.

• Controlled Landing:

The gymnast should aim for a controlled landing, with feet together, knees slightly bent to absorb the impact, and arms raised in a finishing position. The landing must be balanced, with minimal steps or adjustments to maintain stability​.

Height of Vault Table: 100 cm (approximately 39 inches)

At Level 4, the vault table is set to 100 cm, which provides enough height to challenge the gymnast while allowing them to focus on mastering the front handspring technique. This height is used to introduce gymnasts to the standard equipment and prepare them for higher-level vaults.

Key Skills Developed:

1. Power Generation: The handspring vault at this level emphasizes speed and strength, teaching gymnasts to generate enough power from their run and springboard take-off to propel themselves over the vault table.
2. Arm Strength and Blocking: The block technique developed at this level is a key element of vaulting. Gymnasts learn to push powerfully off the vault table using their arms and shoulders, setting the foundation for higher-level vaults like Yurchenkos and Tsukaharas​.
3. Body Tension and Form: Maintaining a tight, straight body line during the second flight phase is critical to executing a clean vault. Body control in the air is essential for achieving height and sticking the landing.
4. Safe Landings: Landing correctly with control is crucial, especially as gymnasts begin to perform vaults that require more power and precision. The emphasis is on sticking the landing with minimal deductions for steps or adjustments.

Level 5 Vault Routine

At Level 5, gymnasts continue to work on the front handspring vault over the vault table, focusing on refining the technique, increasing power, and improving execution. This level is the final compulsory level before transitioning to optional routines in Level 6 and beyond. While the vault performed is the same as in Level 4, the expectations in terms of power, height, and overall execution are higher. Judges will now be looking for more polished, technically sound vaults with greater amplitude and cleaner landings.

Vault Type: Front Handspring Over the Vault Table

The Level 5 vault remains the front handspring over the vault table. Gymnasts must sprint down the runway, hurdle onto the springboard, hit a handstand position on the vault table, block through their arms, and execute a second flight phase before landing. The goal at this level is to achieve greater height and distance, while maintaining perfect form throughout the vault.

Technique Focus:

• Run and Hurdle:

The run is more crucial than ever at this level. Gymnasts need to build significant speed to generate the power required for a higher, farther vault. A smooth, continuous run without stutter steps is essential for maintaining momentum into the springboard​.

• Springboard Contact:

A strong take-off from the springboard is key. Gymnasts should focus on timing their jump to get maximum lift from the springboard, while keeping their body tight and arms extended. The springboard take-off should provide enough energy to propel the gymnast into a straight, stretched position over the vault table​.

• Handstand and Block:

In Level 5, the handstand block becomes more refined. Gymnasts must hit a near-perfect handstand position on the vault table, with arms extended and shoulders open. A powerful block (push off) from the hands and shoulders is necessary to create a clean flight phase. The gymnast’s body should remain tight, and the block should propel them high into the second flight phase.

• Second Flight Phase:

The second flight phase is where gymnasts need to demonstrate control, body tension, and height. A tight, straight body with legs together and toes pointed is expected during this phase. The height and distance of the vault should be significantly improved compared to Level 4. The gymnast should appear to “fly” off the vault table with power and control.

• Controlled Landing:

A controlled landing is vital to avoid deductions. Gymnasts should aim to land with their feet together, knees slightly bent to absorb the impact, and arms raised in a clean finish. Any steps, hops, or falls will result in deductions, so sticking the landing is crucial for a high score.

Height of Vault Table: 100 cm (approximately 39 inches)

At Level 5, the vault table remains at the same height as in Level 4, set to 100 cm. This allows gymnasts to focus on improving their vault technique and execution while using the same equipment as in the previous level​.

Key Skills Developed:

1. Increased Power and Speed: The front handspring vault at Level 5 requires gymnasts to generate greater speed during the run and apply more power in the take-off and block to achieve the required height and distance.
2. Refined Blocking Technique: A powerful and well-timed block is critical for success in higher-level vaulting. Gymnasts continue to develop their arm and shoulder strength, ensuring a quick and efficient push off the vault table​.
3. Body Tension and Form: Maintaining body tension in the second flight phase is key to a clean vault. Gymnasts are expected to demonstrate excellent form, with tight legs, pointed toes, and a straight body line throughout the flight phase​.
4. Flawless Landings: By Level 5, gymnasts are expected to consistently perform controlled, clean landings with minimal deductions. Sticking the landing is crucial, as any unnecessary movements or steps can lead to point deductions​.

Conclusion

The gymnastics vault routines for Levels 1–5 lay a strong foundation for young gymnasts by gradually building their skills, strength, and confidence. In Levels 1–3, gymnasts focus on fundamental techniques like running, jumping, and learning body control through basic vaults such as the handstand flat-back. These early levels emphasize coordination, balance, and safe landings, helping gymnasts develop the basics of vaulting.

As gymnasts progress to Levels 4 and 5, they begin performing the front handspring vault over the vault table. At these levels, the focus shifts to improving power, speed, and technique, with gymnasts working on height, distance, and form during flight, as well as sticking clean landings.

Each level builds on the previous one, preparing gymnasts for more advanced vaults and helping them develop the skills needed for success in higher-level gymnastics​.