Not the Way to Do It

USA Gymnastics Has Finally Come Around

 The primary result of limiting this vault only to higher levels of competition was to limit, restrict or entirely eliminate the practice of the progressions for this vault by younger gymnasts in their gymnastic-habit formative stages of development.

Start Early
 Early experience in practicing a round-off onto a vaulting board can only improve the long-range consistency and safety of learning the complete round-off vault.

 There are currently only two front-side "board to vault" pre-flight approaches - the front handspring and half-on. We have eliminated the front 1& 1/2 somersault, from board to horse from consideration, as a "truly inherently dangerous" vault with no redeeming artistic value, especially on the weak back-side of the vault.

The round-off and the round-off half on (or the front handspring onto the board, for that matter) - alter the "floor to board" approach. If the round-off vault is inherently more dangerous than other vault skills (an unproven position, at best), then it would logically entail that more preparation and progression time be given to the correct technical development and gymnastics habits the vault requires.

 If injuries have resulted from the vault, insufficient preparation and preparation time, poor technical preparation, and insufficient time and attention to correct gymnastics habit-forming likely induce them.  These are certainly arguments to begin practice early on, even if not competition with, the round-off vault.

 Enough of the insurance-induced politics.  The first prerequisite and habit to be developed is a straight round-off.  This can and should be first practiced from a stand, power hurdle and then run on a straight tape line.  Constant practice on a tape line is necessary to ensure a straight round-off.  A straight round-off is more efficient and therefore more powerful.  Practice on the straight line constantly and consistently self-reinforces the correct techniques and habits required to tumble and vault in a straight line.

 Extra padding, front side spotting and extra spring from trampolines and tumble-tramps ease and speed the progressions, while making them safer.

 Correct lift technique for layouts in tumbling on floor should be a skill progression prerequisite mastered.

 There should be no rush to progress.  The normal vault running and running consistency drills should be mastered before progressing to full speed round-off entry vaults onto a full height horse.  Correct gymnastics habits should progress from consistent run to straight round-off onto board to correct 180? arm angle lift to block and lift on backside.  These should be mastered before even beginning to worry about turning over the backside.

 The backside of the vault should be learned separately into the pit before attempting the complete round-off entry vaults. Tzukahara vaults, in their various positions, should be mastered before attempting to turn over the more complicated round-off entry vault.

Notes:
Round-Off Layouts
Train round-off layouts to work on going up to a safe height to work the front side of the vault and work on not throwing the head.

High On is the Only Safe Learning Path
The only safe way to work on the front side of this vault, the so-called back handspring on (we call it round-off layout on) is to be too high at first so there is no danger of going head first into the  horse.

Whip Action Back Handsprings a Warning Sign to Take Special Care
If a gymnast whips their back handsprings downward on tumbling on floor, they are very likely do the same when first starting to do this vault.  Coaches (and gymnasts) should know whether this is likely.  Coaches should fix the problem first or be ready to spot the front side of a Yurchenko quickly and heavily.

Throwing Head in Handspring or Layout Another Warning Sign
Another indication that something needs to be fixed first or a heavy spot is likely called for, is if the gymnast throws their head on back saltos.

Take Your Time on the Front Side
The key to safe Yurchenko vaults is to start training them 18 –24 months before you plan to compete them, which will give ample time to slowly and safely master them.

See the article on Yurchenko vault progressions.

See the Ask the Coach question and answer about Yurchenko vaults.