Parkour is an adrenaline-fueled sport that pushes participants to perform dynamic moves using their environment. One such essential move in the world of parkour is the Speed Vault. This entry-level skill, when mastered, can increase your speed and efficiency spectacularly during parkour runs.
If you’re interested in the dynamic world of parkour, specifically the Speed Vault technique, you may also like to explore the associated risks and common injuries in parkour to stay safe and informed.
Understanding the Speed Vault Technique
Named for its ability to propel practitioners at high speeds, the Speed Vault is a staple move in parkour. This vault can be performed effortlessly and at rapid-fire speed over objects, ledges, or rails, without slowing down your run, provided you’ve got the technique right. A well-executed Speed Vault could even make you nearly uncatchable in a chase.
Detailed Steps to Perform a Speed Vault
To learn the Speed Vault, find an area with a thin ledge at approximately waist height with a grass landing. Once you find a suitable place, follow these steps:
- Spring off your left leg while swinging your right leg and body to the right side;
- Lean your upper body to the left side and plant your left hand on the pole or object;
- Execute a scissor-kick motion to bring your left leg in front;
- Land on your left leg and step out of the landing. For higher obstacles, land on both feet and absorb the impact.
Note: If you feel more comfortable swinging your left leg and body to the left side, reverse the directions accordingly.
Progress Faster with These Tips
By gradually adjusting your technique, you can transition from a safety vault to a speed vault smoothly:
- Identify a robust ledge and start by performing a safety vault;
- Gradually adapt your safety vault into a speed vault;
- Place one hand on the ledge or rail and swing your legs up and over to the opposite side;
- Land on your left foot first, or both feet together;
- Approach the ledge and repeat the move;
- Gradually increase your speed and incorporate the scissor-kick motion in mid-air to land on your left foot;
- Once you’ve gained confidence with a ledge, graduate to a rail.
Why the Speed Vault is Crucial for Parkour Training
Imagine a scenario where you need to outpace something chasing you – hypothetically, a horde of zombies during an apocalypse. Those who have mastered the Speed Vault will have the upper hand, easily evading their pursuers. However, those unfamiliar with this technique might find themselves at a disadvantage. So, not learning the Speed Vault isn’t just a missed opportunity in your parkour training; it might mean the difference between survival and being dinner for a mob of fast zombies.
Additional Tips for Improving Speed Vault Technique
Even after mastering the basic technique, there’s room for improvement. Practicing on different landing surfaces and at various speeds can help you refine your Speed Vault.
While the Speed Vault is a fun and exciting move to perform, safety should never take a back seat. Always ensure your landing area is free of obstacles and other dangers.
Conclusion
Mastering the Speed Vault in parkour can revolutionize your training and performance and possibly be your lifesaver in a hypothetical disaster scenario. With its potential to double your speed and efficiency, learning this technique is indispensable for any parkour enthusiast. Remember, the key factors are patience, practice, and consistency. Learning the vault might take time, but once you have it, it stays with you, making every parkour run a thrilling experience. So, gear up, stay safe, and let the Speed Vault take your parkour skills to new heights.