Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your parkour skills or an experienced traceur aiming to perfect your technique, understanding the Turn Vault is essential.

This post will delve into the intricacies of the Turn Vault, explaining what it is, how to execute it, and its significance in parkour.

The Turn Vault is a parkour movement where the practitioner uses their hands to pivot and move their body over an obstacle, typically a wall or rail, while turning to face the direction they came from.

This move allows for a controlled and swift transition over obstacles, maintaining momentum and fluidity.

It is particularly useful in environments where space is limited, and directional changes are necessary.

Before attempting the Turn Vault, it's crucial to have a good understanding of basic parkour movements such as the Safety Vault and the Monkey Vault.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the Turn Vault:

Approach the Obstacle: Run towards the obstacle at a moderate speed. Ensure you have enough momentum to carry your body over the barrier but not so much that you lose control.

Hand Placement: As you reach the obstacle, place your lead hand (the hand closest to the obstacle) on top of it. This hand will act as a pivot point for your body.

Jump and Turn: Using your lead hand for support, jump and bring your legs up towards your chest. Simultaneously, turn your body so that your back is facing the obstacle.

Second Hand Placement: Place your other hand on the obstacle to help stabilize and control the turn.

Swing Your Legs Over: Swing your legs over the obstacle while maintaining a firm grip with both hands. Your lead hand should now be behind you, and your other hand in front.

Land Smoothly: As your legs clear the obstacle, release your hands and land softly on the other side, facing the direction you came from.

Practice on Lower Obstacles: Start with lower obstacles to build confidence and refine your technique.

Stay Low: Keep your body low to the obstacle to maintain control and balance.

Use Your Core: Engage your core muscles to help stabilize your body during the turn.

Focus on Hand Placement: Proper hand placement is crucial for a smooth turn. Practice placing your hands accurately and quickly.

Enhances Agility and Coordination

The Turn Vault requires precise movements and quick directional changes, enhancing overall agility and coordination. Practicing this vault regularly can improve your ability to navigate complex environments swiftly and efficiently.

Increases Upper Body Strength

Supporting your body weight with your hands and arms during the Turn Vault builds upper body strength. Over time, this can lead to improved performance in other parkour techniques and general upper body fitness.

Boosts Confidence

Mastering the Turn Vault can boost your confidence as a traceur. Successfully executing this maneuver requires overcoming fear and trusting your abilities, both of which are essential for progressing in parkour.

Incorrect Hand Placement

One of the most common mistakes in the Turn Vault is incorrect hand placement. Ensure your lead hand is securely placed on the obstacle before jumping, and your second hand stabilizes your turn.

Rushing the Movement

Rushing through the Turn Vault can lead to loss of control and improper execution. Focus on smooth, controlled movements rather than speed.

Lack of Core Engagement

Failing to engage your core can result in a wobbly and unstable turn. Keep your core muscles tight throughout the movement to maintain balance and control.

Start Slow

Begin by practicing the Turn Vault at a slow pace, focusing on technique and hand placement. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the movement.

Combine with Other Techniques

Integrate the Turn Vault with other parkour techniques, such as the Safety Vault or the Kong Vault, to create fluid and dynamic sequences. Practicing combinations can help you navigate complex environments more effectively.

Use in Real-World Scenarios

Look for opportunities to use the Turn Vault in real-world scenarios. Urban environments with walls, rails, and barriers provide ideal settings for practicing this vault.

The Turn Vault is a fundamental parkour technique that enhances agility, coordination, and upper body strength.

By mastering this movement, you can navigate obstacles with greater ease and confidence, making your parkour practice more dynamic and versatile.

Remember to focus on proper hand placement, controlled movements, and core engagement to perfect your Turn Vault.