Springboard Squat-On to the Vaulting Box
A progression toward vaulting: two-foot takeoff from the springboard, hands on the box, and a tucked squat-on to the top, then a straight jump off. Students work on timing the takeoff and the hand support, arm strength, and confidence on an apparatus.
How to play
- Set up a low vaulting box (2 or 3 sections) with the springboard in front and the crash mat behind. Alongside, place gym benches for dry practice and split the class into two groups (3 min).
- Dry practice: with hands on the bench, jump both feet up into a squat between the hands on top of the bench, then walk off (4 min).
- On the box with no run: bounce on the springboard, place hands flat on the box, pull knees to chest, and land in a squat on top. Then stand and do a straight jump onto the crash mat (5 min).
- With a run: from 5 steps out, two-foot takeoff on the springboard, hands on the box, and a tucked squat-on; the teacher spots from the side, holding the upper arm and shoulder (5 min).
- Groups switch. On the last turn, students who have the squat-on try to link squat-on, straight jump, and stuck landing without pausing (5 min).
Rules
- Nobody vaults unless the teacher is standing at the side to spot.
- Always jump off forward onto the crash mat, never backward or off the sides.
- The next student goes only when the previous one has stepped off the crash mat.
Variations
Easier
Use a box of 1 or 2 sections and climb on by placing one knee first.
Standard
Squat on with both feet at once to a box of 2 or 3 sections.
Harder
Try a squat vault, bringing the feet through the hands without stopping on the box, always with a spotter.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: practice shifting weight onto the hands from the wheelchair, or climbing onto a low bench with help.
- Shyness: let the student watch several vaults and start on the gym bench until they feel ready.
- Fitness level: adjust the box height by adding or removing sections for each group.
Learning goals
- Coordinate the springboard takeoff with the hand support.
- Squat on to the box with knees pulled to the chest.
- Build confidence on a gymnastics apparatus step by step.
Equipment for a class of 25
- vaulting box: 1
- springboard: 1
- crash mat: 1
- gym benches: 4
Teacher tip
Teacher spotting is essential: stand at the side and hold the upper arm and shoulder. The usual mistake is stopping on the springboard, so ask for a soft but committed run.
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