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Hurdle to Board Drills (Vault)

Hurdle to Board Drills is a beginner-level vault drill that works on pre-flight angle, board contact and run speed. Improve vault run approach and board contact timing.

Quick facts

Event
Vault
Difficulty
beginner
Equipment
springboard, mat
Time per round
about 2 minutes
Muscles
Quadriceps, Calves, Shoulders, Core, Glutes

How to do Hurdle to Board Drills

  1. Standing Hurdle

    Practice the hurdle step from a standing position. Drive arms up as you step forward onto the board position.

    Cues: Arms drive up · Step forward · Two-foot contact

  2. Walking Approach

    Take 3-4 walking steps into the hurdle. Focus on accelerating into the hurdle and driving both feet to the board.

    Cues: Accelerate into hurdle · Both feet to board · 3-4 steps

  3. Running Approach

    Full run approach with the hurdle step. Hit the board with both feet simultaneously, arms driving overhead.

    Cues: Full speed · Simultaneous foot contact · Arms overhead

  4. Board to Flat Back

    From the board contact, jump to a flat back landing on a stacked mat. Focus on the pre-flight angle and body tension.

    Cues: Pre-flight angle · Body tension · Flat back landing

Practice this drill under a qualified coach, especially for inversions and flight.

Fixes these deductions

Builds these skills

Video

Watch a demonstration “Vault - Hurdle and Board Drill Basics” by Kokomotion USA Gymnastics, on YouTube (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

What does Hurdle to Board Drills help with?
Hurdle to Board Drills targets pre-flight angle, board contact and run speed. Improve vault run approach and board contact timing.
What level is Hurdle to Board Drills for?
Stickd rates Hurdle to Board Drills as a beginner drill. It is part of the progression for Front Handspring Vault (typically Level 5-6), Yurchenko Tuck (typically Level 7-8), Handspring Front Tuck Vault (typically Level 7-8) and Tsukahara (typically Level 8-9).

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