How to do a Front Handspring Vault
A Front Handspring Vault is a vault that gymnasts usually learn between Levels 5 and 6.
Also called: vault handspring, front handspring on vault.
Quick facts
| Apparatus | Vault |
|---|---|
| Typical level (estimate) | Levels 5-6 |
| Difficulty (Stickd rating) | 5/10 |
| Time to learn (estimate) | About 6 weeks |
| Fear factor (Stickd rating) | 3/5 |
Levels, ratings and timelines are Stickd estimates for planning, not USAG requirements.
What to learn before a Front Handspring Vault
Helpful but not required
Step-by-step progression
A Front Handspring Vault is a starting skill with no required prerequisite.
- 1
Front Handspring Vault
Learn a Front Handspring Vault. Allow about 6 weeks (estimate).
Drills that build a Front Handspring Vault
- Handstand Flat Back Vault Drill
- Vault Blocking & Repulsion Drills
- Hurdle to Board Drills
- Front Handspring Progressions
- Stick Landing Drills
- Vault Run & Approach Drills
Technique focus areas: Board contact, Landing.
What good form looks like
Forward rotation over vault table with weight transfer through hands.
- shoulders: open
- elbows: straight
- hips: extended
- knees: straight
Common deductions on a Front Handspring Vault
| Deduction | What it means | Typically |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-flight Angle | Insufficient angle or height in pre-flight phase | 0.1 |
| Insufficient Post-flight | Not enough height or distance in post-flight phase | 0.1 |
| Bent Arms | Arms not fully extended when they should be straight | 0.1 |
| Body Alignment | Body not in proper line (arch, pike, or lean) | 0.1 |
Typical values; judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is, and the judges' score is the official one.
Fear and confidence
Stickd rates a Front Handspring Vault 3 out of 5 for fear. It involves being upside down, a new kind of contact with the board or vault table. Feeling nervous about it is normal, and confidence usually builds step by step through the progression above.
Mental techniques that help
Box Breathing
A 4-count breathing pattern to calm your nervous system before attempting a scary skill.
Positive Self-Talk Reframe
Replace negative fear thoughts with accurate, empowering statements.
Backward Skill Visualization
Close your eyes and mentally rehearse the skill from start to finish, feeling each phase.
Skills a Front Handspring Vault unlocks
- Handspring Front Tuck Vault (Vault, Levels 7-8)
- Yurchenko Tuck (Vault, Levels 7-8)
- Tsukahara (Vault, Levels 8-9)
Watch an example
Watch a Front Handspring Vault tutorial on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
- What level do gymnasts learn a Front Handspring Vault?
- Gymnasts usually learn a Front Handspring Vault between Levels 5 and 6. That is a typical range, and every gymnast and gym moves at a different pace.
- How long does it take to learn a Front Handspring Vault?
- About 6 weeks of regular practice, as a rough estimate. Real timelines vary a lot from gymnast to gymnast.
- What are the most common deductions on a Front Handspring Vault?
- The ones to watch for are Pre-flight Angle (usually about 0.1), Insufficient Post-flight (usually about 0.1), Bent Arms (usually about 0.1) and Body Alignment (usually about 0.1). Judges scale each deduction by how noticeable it is.
- Is a Front Handspring Vault scary to learn?
- It can be. Stickd rates its fear factor 3 out of 5 because it involves being upside down and a new kind of contact with the board or vault table. Techniques like Box Breathing and Positive Self-Talk Reframe help gymnasts build confidence.