Reverse vault

The reverse vault can be a very useful technique when you have to approach a rail from an angle where a normal two handed vault may not be smooth, or after exiting a previous vault where the reverse vault can help more efficiently preserve momentum over the next obstacle. (especially if you land at an angle to the obstacle)

Step-by-step guide

1. Place your left hand on the obstacle with and underhand grip and your right hand on the obstacle with and overhand grip. This is for a reverse vault where you spin counter-clockwise.
2. As your hands are reaching the object, punch or jump from both feet initiating a vault over your outside (left) shoulder- your body is twisting away from your hands.
3. Stay in a ball shape creating a smooth arch of movement over the obstacle. Tucking your knees to your chest helps to maintain momentum in your spin and clearing the obstacle. When you are first practicing the technique, turning your head with the direction of your rotation will help initiate a better spin, and will help you spot your landing early.
4. As you pass over the obstacle, sight your landing - remove hands, left first and right second, prepare to land
5. Be prepared to land and, depending on the height of your vault, possibly roll. In either case, work to make the landing smooth, silent, and fluid.

Common problems

Like many other Parkour techniques, the most common problems encountered with the reverse vault are primarily mental. A lack of commitment can lead to everything from an inadequate spin (in which you land facing away from your chosen path) to an all-out bail. Two ways to build up the courage and commitment needed to perform the move successfully are to train the technique in the safest possible environment (which is quite often on stacked padding in a gymnastics gym, but it could be over a trash can on grass or sand…use your imagination) and to work the basic mechanics on a low surface, such as a low box, or the floor. In that case, you would stand facing the object, bend to place your hands on it as shown, then leap powerfully towards the other side, twisting your head towards your chosen landing area. This will help you with the basic mechanics of the spin, which can help immensely when it comes time to try this on a wall or rail.

The reverse vault is one of the smoothest techniques when performed correctly, and it can mean the difference between a horrible stall between two obstacles and an immediate, powerfully natural movement that carries you up and over the next wall or railing with little thought.