What is a "Pre-flight Angle" deduction in gymnastics?
The "Pre-flight Angle" deduction is taken for insufficient angle or height in pre-flight phase. Judges typically take 0.10 for it.
On vault, the pre-flight (entry) angle wasn't quite where the judge wants it.
What it costs
The typical value for pre-flight angle is 0.10. Judges scale it by how noticeable the error was.
| Deduction | Severity | Typical value | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Flight Angle | Small | −0.10 | Vault |
These are typical values used for practice feedback. Official values come from the code your meet is judged under: USA Gymnastics — Rules & Policies, FIG Code of Points.
Where it shows up
Events: Vault.
Skills where pre-flight angle is common:
- Front Handspring VaultVault
- Handspring Front Tuck VaultVault
- TsukaharaVault
- Yurchenko TuckVault
How to fix it
Hurdle and board-entry drills to improve the pre-flight angle off the table.
Muscles involved
Primary
- Shoulders: Deltoids and rotator cuff for handstands, casts, and overhead positions
- Core: Abdominals and deep stabilizers for body tension and hollow/arch positions
Secondary
- Quadriceps: Front thigh muscles for jumps, landings, and knee extension
- Chest: Pectorals for push-off in vault, floor, and support positions
Drills that help
Related deductions
Common questions
- What is a "Pre-flight Angle" deduction in gymnastics?
- Insufficient angle or height in pre-flight phase. It falls under the execution category of deductions.
- How many tenths is the pre-flight angle deduction?
- The pre-flight angle deduction is typically 0.10, and the judge scales it by how noticeable it was. Official values come from the USAG or FIG code your meet uses.
- Why do judges take the pre-flight angle deduction?
- Pre-flight is one of three vault judging phases — small angles add up.
- How can my gymnast stop getting the pre-flight angle deduction?
- Hurdle and board-entry drills to improve the pre-flight angle off the table.
- Which events is the pre-flight angle deduction called on?
- In Stickd's rule set, the pre-flight angle deduction applies on Vault.
- Which skills commonly get the pre-flight angle deduction?
- Stickd's skill data links the pre-flight angle deduction to 4 skills, including Front Handspring Vault (Vault), Handspring Front Tuck Vault (Vault), Tsukahara (Vault), and Yurchenko Tuck (Vault).
- What drills help fix the pre-flight angle deduction?
- Standard Stickd drills that target the pre-flight angle deduction include Handstand Flat Back Vault Drill, Hurdle to Board Drills, Vault Run & Approach Drills, and Yurchenko Timer Drills.
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