Speed Vault Tutorial

Speed Vault Tutorial

The speed vault is basically the first essential step towards learning the technique and commitment involved in overcoming walls and rails during a Parkour run. Its simplicity and efficiency are well suited to quickly surpassing a variety of objects with little wasted energy. You can come to a rail at full speed, and be on the other side in a full sprint before you know it.

Your run-up must be powerful enough to carry you over and past the obstacle with one final leap, using your hand for balance and to transfer your weight back to your feet to continue on your way. I have found that longer, more powerful strides are easier to set up proper timing and retain momentum over and beyond the obstacle.

Absolute commitment is the key to retaining momentum from mid-run through the last step, on though and beyond the obstacle. If you get that last moment of doubt, you lose most of your speed and kill the most essential aspect of this technique.

Your final step should be taken a few feet from the base of the obstacle with the foot that coincides with the hand you will be vaulting with.

If you hit the last step with enough speed and power, all it takes is a slight boost with the final step at a 45 degree angle to the top of the obstacle.  Your body should be in front of your feet at this point, with your lead hand (same side as your final step) coming down towards the top. Your legs and upper body are basically rotating around your torso towards the lead hand, so that when your hand contacts the obstacle, you are parallel to the ground.

The speed from your run up is carrying you over the obstacle, while your hand is retaining balance in the horizontal position of your body.

Once your hand makes contact with the obstacle your momentum is going to do the rest of the work making it to the other side, so you can begin to spot your landing. Your peripheral vision will alert you to any potential hazards right at the base of the obstacle, while your line of site will be slightly in front of where you plan to land.