Vaulting to feet

[JFish]

I coach 8 and 9 year olds who have been learning to vault to their feet this year and it isn't going so hot. 3 can get over to their feet and 1 still has sketchy vaulting to her back.

I am looking for any drills or key things you might say to imrpove:
- popping or shoulder block
- not arching off the table, ie need to hold toes up
- and for the really teeny one that struggles with going to her back anything to help with heel drive and power....I mean she doesn't even make a sound on the board.

Thanks!

 

[bogwoppit]

Some ideas from the web

Gymnastics Coaching Blog Archive introducing the Handspring on vault

Gymnastics Vault Drills and Skills Page - Tips, drills, techniques for Vault. Learn how to run, punch, fly and flip.

I have always found Brina Bakalar's vault article interesting, you might get some ideas from it.

http://www.gymnasticsrevolution.com/Parents%2023-1.html

 

[ShootingStaRr]

a good one for heel drive is to use a mini tramp or a beatboard in front of the box/pegasus(whatever you use for vault) and get them to jump to handstand using the power of their feet but not arching.
- also pile up crash mats, and doing a layout to back as this also uses heel drive.