VAULT YURCHANKO DRILLS · The Adult Gymnastics Movement

Aug 20 • SKILLZ

VAULT YURCHANKO DRILLS

Low impact vault drills for YURCHANKO .

Teaching the Yurchenko Vault (Round-off Entry Vault)

The Yurchenko vault is one of the most popular vaults in gymnastics. It begins with a round-off onto the springboard, back handspring onto the table, and then a block (push) that launches the gymnast into their salto or twisting element.

The key to success is not just power, but how you enter the table and how you block. Many gymnasts struggle because they arch or “rainbow” onto the table, landing too high with poor hand placement, which kills their block and makes the vault unsafe and inconsistent.

That’s why these two drills are gold: they teach direction into the table and a strong block/pop, while keeping things low impact so you can get lots of reps.

Drill 1: Round-off Pike Sit Punch

Setup: Round-off on a rod floor or spring floor into a pike sit/punch back (onto a soft, waist-high resi mat).
Focus: Instead of arcing onto the vault, you’re training your body to drive into the table. The pike sit/punch forces your momentum forward and down, not up and over.
Why it works: Teaches gymnasts to enter the table with direction. Corrects the common mistake of arching/rainbowing in. Builds awareness of keeping the chest and hips driving in line.
Practical bonus: Soft mat + rod floor = low impact, safe for reps.

Drill 2: Box → Round-off → Mini-Tramp Back Handspring Pop to Back

Setup: Start on boxes for height, do a round-off onto a mini-tramp, then back handspring to a resi pit landing on your back.
Focus: The mini-tramp and pit give you time and safety to emphasize reaching back, blocking, and popping off your hands.
Why it works: Trains the block and rotation without pounding your body. Builds confidence in extending back and trusting the pop. Lets you practice dozens of clean entries without the physical toll of full vaults.
Practical bonus: Mini-tramp + porta-pit = very forgiving surface, ideal for adults or anyone needing repetition without wear and tear.

Takeaways

Drill 1 = Entry direction. Learn to go into the table, not up and over.
Drill 2 = Block & rotation. Learn to reach, pop, and rotate safely.
Together, these drills give you the “engine” of the Yurchenko without the brutal impact of vault after vault. Perfect for adults who want to build technique, confidence, and strength while protecting their body.

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