Women Ankles during vault

[Gymnasticsismylife]

I’m a Xcel Silver gymnast who is currently upgrading my vault to the Gold vault (fhs over table with springboard vs. fhs over mat stack with airboard) because it is post season. Towards the end of the season I started running on my toes instead of flat feet and getting faster. This helped my vaulting tremendously but I notice it has taken a toll on my ankles. I’ve always had weak ankles so even a simple fhs hurts my ankles. It isn’t always but almost ever practice, and least one of them will start hurting. My coach knows and I’m going to talk to her about solutions but I was just curious is anyone has had something similar. Also, how may I prevent this by like running different way or taping my ankles a certain way. I don’t know but any help would be appreciated!

 

[Dahlia]

I would recommend consulting a physical therapist who might be able to help you strengthen your ankles.

 

[Coach Kate]

If your coach isn't educated about ankle strengthening, definitely consult a physical therapist. Our girls had a whole routine they did for their ankle health.

 

[HopefulGymnast]

I’ve always had weak ankles

This makes me agree even more with the other people. It's not just a vault issue, this may well come up again and again during gymnastics (or even just life). Best to adress it with a PT.

 

[kecks]

Do speed drills like A and B skips, ankling etc. like track athletes do. You should find videos about this stuff on youtube.

 

[Gymnasticsismylife]

Ok that’s good to know. Luckily, we have a physical therapist available at our gym. I was a little bit hesitant because I have never seen her before for anything. But, I think it has gotten to the point where I should talk to her. Thank you!