Vaulting over the Box: Squat and Straddle
A progression for two classic box vaults: the squat vault, bringing the tucked legs through between the arms, and the straddle vault, with legs apart. Students work on the approach run, springboard takeoff, hand push, and a balanced landing.
How to play
- Set up two stations, each with a low vaulting box, a springboard, and a crash mat behind; 12 students per station with two trained student spotters (3 min).
- Takeoff: a 5-step run, two-foot hurdle onto the springboard, rebound, and a balanced landing on the mat (4 min).
- Squat-on: takeoff, hands on the box, and feet together on top; dismount with a straight jump onto the crash mat (5 min).
- Squat vault: after takeoff, push with the hands and bring the tucked legs through between the arms; spotters hold the upper arm and wrist on each side (6 min).
- Straddle vault: with the box set crosswise, legs wide and straight, strong hand push, and land feet together; the teacher spots from the front (7 min).
Rules
- Only vault when the spotters say ready and the previous student is off the crash mat.
- The straddle vault is always done with the teacher spotting.
- Land on both feet with bent knees.
- No one sits or lies in the landing area.
Variations
Easier
Work only the squat-on and jump dismount, with the box two sections high.
Standard
Squat and straddle vaults on a low box with two spotters.
Harder
Add a box section, or add a half turn in the air on the straddle vault landing.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student acts as station manager, checks equipment placement, and signals each start.
- Autism: post a picture sequence by the springboard and keep the same turn order throughout.
- Fitness level: nervous students stay with the squat-on; confident students work with more height.
Learning goals
- Link the run, takeoff, and hand push in a gymnastics vault.
- Land balanced and absorb force after the flight phase.
- Take on the spotter role responsibly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- vaulting box: 2
- springboard: 2
- mats: 6
- crash mat: 2
Teacher tip
Train spotters before starting: they hold above the elbow and at the wrist and move with the vault. The typical mistake is slowing down before the springboard.
PatioLab has "Vaulting over the Box: Squat and Straddle" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More main activities for Middle School
1-on-1 Mini Volleyball Up and Down the River
One-on-one mini volleyball duels on 3 x 3 m courts under a rope 2 m high, using a receive, self-set and send rule.
1-on-1 Self-Pass Volleyball
One-on-one games on narrow 10 x 20 foot courts where each player must self-pass before sending the ball over.
1v1 Four-Gate Soccer Duels
In a square with a gate on each side, two players go head to head and score by dribbling through any of the four gates.
2-on-1 Fast Break with a Chasing Defender
Two attackers push a fast break against a defender waiting at the basket while a second defender chases from behind with a few yards' head start against them.
2-on-1 Through Three Defensive Zones
Pairs of attackers cross the court through three zones, each with a defender who cannot leave it, and finish with a shot on goal.
2-on-2 Mini Volleyball with a Neutral Setter
Two-on-two mini volleyball with a neutral setter under the rope who always plays for the team with the ball.