Level 2 Vault: A Parent’s Guide to Scoring, Technique & What Judges Are Looking For

The fastest event in gymnastics—and where small details make a big difference!

Welcome to Vault (Blink and You Might Miss It!)

Vault is the quickest event—most routines last just a few seconds.

But here’s the secret:

Judges are evaluating everything leading up to the vault, not just the jump.

At Level 2, vault is all about:

• Speed

• Body position

• Proper shapes

• Control on landing

How Scoring Works on Vault

Like other Level 2 events:

• Start value is typically 10.0

• Judges deduct for errors

Deduction Ranges

• Small → 0.05

• Medium → 0.10–0.20

• Large → 0.30–0.50

• Fall → 0.50

What Is the Level 2 Vault?

At this level, gymnasts typically perform a straight jump (or stretch jump) onto a mat stack.

This may include:

• Running down the runway

• Hitting the springboard

• Jumping to a flat back or landing on top (depending on program)

It’s not about flipping yet—it’s about learning how to generate power safely

Vault Is Judged in 4 Phases

This is the MOST important thing parents can understand.

1. The Run (More important than you might think)

This sets up the entire vault

Judges Want:

• Fast, aggressive sprint

• Arms pumping

• Controlled approach

Deductions:

• Slow run → up to 0.30

• Stutter steps → 0.10–0.20

• Inconsistent speed → up to 0.20

A weak run = weaker vault (every time)

2. The Hurdle & Board Contact

This is the transition onto the springboard

Judges Want:

• Smooth hurdle (not choppy)

• Two-foot takeoff onto the board

• Good timing

Deductions:

• Poor timing → 0.10–0.20

• Uneven feet → up to 0.20

• Lack of power → up to 0.30

3. The “Flight” Phase (The Jump Itself)

Even at Level 2, judges are watching body shape in the air

Correct Straight Body Position

Judges Want:

• Straight body

• Tight core

• Legs together

• Pointed toes

Deductions:

• Bent knees → 0.10–0.30

• Legs apart → up to 0.20

• Loose body → 0.10–0.20

4. The Landing (Where Scores Are Won or Lost)

This is the part fans tend to notice most—but it’s only one piece!

Judges Want:

• Controlled landing

• Feet together

• Minimal movement

• Upright posture

Deductions:

• Small step → 0.05

• Large step → 0.10–0.20

• Hop → up to 0.30

• Deep squat → up to 0.30

• Fall → 0.50

The BIG 3 Things Judges Care About on Vault

1. Power

• Comes from the run + board

• Weak power = lower score even if landing is good

  
  

2. Body Shape

• Straight, tight, controlled

• This is where many deductions happen

  
  

3. Control

• Especially on landing

• But also, throughout the vault

Common Deductions We Sometimes Miss

These happen before the gymnast even leaves the board:

• Slow or hesitant run

• Poor hurdle timing

• Weak push off the board

• Loose body in the air

What Parents Should Watch at Meets

Next time your gymnast vaults, look for:

✔ Are they running fast and confidently?

✔ Do they hit the board cleanly?

✔ Is their body straight in the air?

✔ Do they control the landing?

That’s the full picture—and it all happens in a matter of seconds.

Why Vault Matters Long-Term

Vault builds:

• Speed

• Power

• Explosiveness

• Confidence

These become critical at higher levels when flipping skills are introduced

Final Thought: Vault = Confidence + Commitment

Vault rewards gymnasts who:

• Go all in

• Trust their training

• Attack the runway

Hesitation is the biggest enemy here.

Next Up: Level 2 Floor

We’ll cover:

• Why floor is the crowd favorite

• How choreography actually affects scores

• The most common deductions parents don’t notice