Perform a vault
Practice performing a basic gymnastic vault on a low vault box and mat, learning approach, spring, controlled flight, and safe landing with supervision.
Step-by-step guide to perform a basic gymnastic vault
How to do VAULT BASICS! MGA Gymnastics
Step 1
Put on comfortable clothes and athletic shoes.
Step 2
Lay the landing mat flat on the floor and set the low vault box on top of the mat.
Step 3
Ask an adult to check that the box and mat are stable and that the area is clear.
Step 4
Use tape to mark a straight run-up line about three big steps long ending at the front of the box.
Step 5
Do 10 jumping jacks to warm up your whole body.
Step 6
Do wrist circles for 30 seconds to warm your wrists and shoulders.
Step 7
Practice a three-step run along the taped line and stop with both feet together in front of the box.
Step 8
Stand at the box and press your hands flat on top to feel the edge and keep your arms straight.
Step 9
From the front of the box, push down with your hands and do a small hop forward to land both feet on the mat to practice the push motion.
Step 10
Tuck your chin to your chest while standing with hands on the box to practice the flight position for a few seconds.
Step 11
Perform one controlled vault using your practiced three-step approach and hand press, and land with knees bent on the mat.
Step 12
Repeat the full vault two more times focusing on a smooth push and a safe landing.
Step 13
Do gentle stretches for 20 seconds each side to cool down.
Step 14
Share a photo or short description of your vault on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a landing mat or a low vault box?
Use a folded yoga mat or stacked gym mats as the landing mat and a sturdy low bench or a tightly stacked pile of firm cushions as the low vault box, and follow the instruction to ask an adult to check stability.
My child keeps slipping or the box wobbles—what should we do?
Place a non-slip rug pad under the mat, move the low vault box fully onto the mat, have an adult steady the box during practice, and shorten the run-up while practicing the hand-press hop from the 'Practice a three-step run' step.
How can I adapt this vault for different age groups?
For younger children use a one-step approach, lower the vault by adding folded mats and keep an adult spotter for the 'Perform one controlled vault' step, while older kids can use the full three-step run and try a slightly higher box and extra repetitions.
How can we extend or personalize the activity once they can do the vault safely?
Add a colored target on the mat to aim for when you 'land with knees bent on the mat', time the approach for a speed challenge, or personalize the final step by sharing a photo or short description on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to perform a basic gymnastic vault
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Facts about gymnastics for kids
🤸 Vault is one of the core artistic gymnastics events — men compete on six apparatus and women on four, and vault appears for both!
🏃♀️ A gymnast’s run-up and springboard technique can add several feet of extra airtime for tricks and safe landings.
🛡️ Coaches use spotting, a low vault box, and extra mats to make learning vaults much safer for beginners.
📐 Beginner vault boxes are often adjustable so kids can start low and raise the height as they get more confident.
🏅 Sticking a clean, controlled landing is a big crowd-pleaser and helps gymnasts avoid point deductions.
How do I teach my child to perform a basic gymnastic vault on a low box?
What materials and equipment do I need to practice a low gymnastic vault safely?
What ages are suitable for practicing a basic gymnastic vault on a low box?
What safety tips and benefits should parents know about low vault practice?
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