Vault Group IV: Vaults with ¼ or ½ turns in the first flight phase

Tsukahara stretched with a ½ twist
Men's Code Of Points - 9.1 Start value

  • With a hip angle of 125 to 130° coming off the springboard the gymnast makes an effort for a fast support phase by placing the hands slightly wider than shoulder width, making sure the second hand is in the center of the vaulting table.
  • During the support phase the arm-body angle should be at approximately 110-115°, with the angle of entry at around 45°.
  • The preflight is, with the exception of the ¼ turn, quite similar to the front handspring vaults.
  • The push-off should begin shortly before reaching vertical.
  • Although the table is shorter than a long horse, men will still be able to produce more upward momentum by placing their first hand closer to the sloped front of the table. The angle of the slope lessens the arm bend during the first hand placement considerably, allowing for the same amount of rise off the table. Women will now be able to perform true round off vaults in the same manner as men, which should produce some amazing changes in women's vault.