Vault Skill Requirements (USAG Women’s DP Levels 1–5)

Vault is where a gymnast learns to turn speed into power, and power into clean, controlled body shapes. In the USA Gymnastics Women’s Development Program, vault progression is extremely intentional.

• Levels 1–3 are designed to build safe, repeatable fundamentals: run mechanics, hurdle timing, board punch, tight body position, and correct hand support.
• Levels 4–5 transition those basics onto the vault table, where gymnasts perform the classic compulsory vault: a handspring over the table.

Below is a clear, level-by-level breakdown of what gymnasts are required to perform and what judges are looking for at each stage.

Vault Progression at a Glance (Levels 1–5)

Here’s the “what you compete” summary for the current compulsory cycle:

• Level 1: Stretch jump onto a mat stack (minimum 16 inches).
• Level 2: Jump to handstand onto a raised mat surface (minimum 16 inches), then fall to a straight-lying position on the back.
• Level 3: Handspring over a raised mat surface (minimum 32 inches).
• Level 4: Handspring over the vault table.
• Level 5: Handspring over the vault table.

Levels 4 and 5 use the same compulsory vault in this cycle (handpsring over table). The difference is usually “how well it’s done” (speed, block, body line, distance, landing control), not a different skill.

Equipment Basics and Safety Rules

Even when the skill sounds simple, the equipment setup matters because it’s part of what USAG is standardizing across meets.

Runway length (Levels 1–5)

USAG allows a 60–80 ft runway for Levels 1–5, which is why little gymnasts often start closer in (to keep speed consistent).

Level 2 mat stack setup (lengthwise)

For Level 2, the vault uses a mat stack placed lengthwise, with a minimum height of 16 inches (+1 inch allowance), and the top surface must include at least a 4-inch skill cushion (or a port-a-pit top).

Level 3 mat stack setup (sideways)

Level 3 requires a mat stack placed sideways with a minimum height of 32 inches and a maximum of 48 inches, again with the top layer meeting the minimum “skill cushion” requirement.

Vault table requirement (Levels 4–5)

USAG specifically states the vault table is required for Levels 4–5, and all age divisions may set it anywhere up to 135 cm (manufacturer settings).

Level 1 Vault: Stretch Jump Onto a Mat Stack

At Level 1, the vault is a stretch jump onto a minimum of 16 inches of matting, with a start value of 5.00.

This is where vault begins—not as a flipping skill, but as a run + hurdle + two-foot punch lesson. Judges already expect:

• straight legs
• pointed toes
• a tight body position
• control when the gymnast arrives on top of the mats

Coaching focus that actually raises scores

Improvement at Level 1 comes from refining basics, not adding power:

• consistent run rhythm (no stutter steps)
• confident hurdle
• two-foot punch together
• tall, tight stretch shape in the air

These fundamentals directly affect deductions at higher levels, which is why Level 1 is critical for long-term vault success.

Level 2 Vault: Jump to Handstand → Flat Back

Level 2 vault is a jump to handstand onto a raised mat surface (minimum 16 inches), followed by a fall to a straight-lying position on the back.

This vault is about inversion and control, not flipping. Judges are looking for a real handstand shape and a clean, intentional finish.

Equipment setup

• Lengthwise mat stack
• Minimum 16-inch height
• 4-inch skill cushion or port-a-pit top
• Safety mat behind the stack

Common score-killers

Judges frequently deduct for:

• stutter steps before the board (up to 0.30 for loss of speed)
• punching one foot at a time (0.20)
• coach assistance:
  • after hand support → 2.00 deduction
  • from board to mat stack → VOID

If the gymnast never reaches vertical and returns to the board or floor, the vault is considered incorrect and void.

What judges really want to see

A true handstand line, not a forward roll.

Level 3 Vault: Handspring Over a Raised Mat Surface (Min. 32″)

Level 3 introduces the first true handspring in the Development Program.

The gymnast must now connect all phases:
run → hurdle → board punch → hand contact → vertical → block → landing on the feet.

Equipment requirements

• Mat stack placed sideways
• Height: 32–48 inches
• Minimum size: 5 ft wide × 10 ft long
• Top surface: 4-inch skill cushion

What can VOID the vault

• performing an incorrect vault (such as a squat-on)
• failing to reach vertical and returning backward
• no hand contact on the mat stack

Big deductions at Level 3

Execution deductions add up quickly:

• leg separation (up to 0.20)
• bent legs (up to 0.30)
• pike (up to 0.50) or arch (up to 0.30), taken in each phase
• bent arms in support (up to 0.50)
• head contact with the mat stack (2.00 deduction)
• landing errors: steps, squat, posture issues, falls, foot join errors

Coaching focus that matters most

Level 3 vaults improve fastest when coaches emphasize:

• longer, more aggressive runs
• quick reach to the hands
• tight hollow body through support
• sharp snap-down to a controlled landing

This is the technical blueprint for vault table success.

Level 4 Vault: Handspring Over the Vault Table

Level 4 is the gymnast’s first compulsory vault on the table.

The table changes timing and feel:

• shorter hand contact
• clearer block phase
• less margin for error

Small technique issues become much more visible to judges.

Key difference between Level 4 and Level 5

Coach assistance rules:

• Level 4: coach aid = 2.00 deduction
• Level 5: coach aid = VOID

Level 4 is the final level where a gymnast may still receive a score after being helped. Incorrect vaults (wrong skill or failure to reach inversion) are still scored VOID.

Level 5 Vault: Handspring Over the Vault Table (Higher Standards)

Level 5 uses the same handspring vault, but expectations increase significantly.

Coach assistance

At Level 5, the rule is strict:
any coach aid = VOID

Common Level 5 deductions

Judges closely evaluate:

• approach speed and direction
• body shape (arch, pike, bent or separated legs)
• support phase errors (staggered hands, bent arms, long support, extra hand placements)
• block efficiency and landing control

At this level, a vault can look “fine” to spectators and still lose tenths due to subtle technique issues.

Quick progression summary (Levels 1–5)

Level	Required Vault	Equipment Used	Start Value	Coach Assistance	Main Focus
Level 1	Stretch jump onto mat	Mat stack	5.00	Allowed	Run, hurdle, two-foot punch, tight body
Level 2	Jump to handstand, fall to back	Mat stack	10.00	Limited (can deduct or VOID)	Straight handstand, control, clean finish
Level 3	Handspring over mat	Raised mat stack	10.00	Limited	Speed, block, body shape, landing
Level 4	Handspring over table	Vault table	10.00	2.00 deduction if aided	Block off table, alignment
Level 5	Handspring over table	Vault table	10.00	VOID if aided	Power, clean technique, independence

Quick Progression Summary

• Level 1: Learning how to run and jump correctly.
• Level 2: Learning to go upside down with control.
• Level 3: First real handspring with a landing.
• Level 4: Same vault, new table, higher expectations.
• Level 5: Same vault, stricter judging, no assistance allowed.