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Book 28, Question 70 · Video

How do gymnasts fly high on a vault?

Video · 1:45 · Crafty Clover explains, from A Million Whys Book 28

A vaulter sprints down a runway, jumps onto a springboard, and then pushes off the vaulting table with her hands. The springboard acts like a spring, turning speed into upward motion, and the firm table lets her arms push her up and over. The gymnast then flips or twists through the air and lands on the mat. It takes strength, timing, and bravery. Coaches and spotters help with training.

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What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How do gymnasts fly high on a vault?

The Big Idea

Gymnasts sprint, bounce, and flip over the vault! It looks like flying. How do they get so high?

Springboard

Step one: Springboard. A vaulter sprints down a runway and jumps onto a springboard. The springboard acts like a spring, turning speed into upward motion.

The Table

Step two: The Table. The gymnast pushes off the firm vaulting table with her hands. That lets her arms push her up and over.

Flipping

Step three: Flipping. The gymnast flips or twists through the air and lands on the mat. It takes strength, timing, and bravery, with coaches and spotters helping in training.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Build speed. Bounce up. Push off. Land safely.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The vaulting table sits about four feet high. Springboards turn speed to height. Arms push off. Spotters help training.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up watching, find a low, firm step. Take a short running start. Jump off the step. Land on a soft mat. How does speed change your jump?

Outro

A vaulter sprints, bounces off a springboard that turns speed into height, and pushes off the vaulting table with her hands. Then she flips or twists through the air and lands on the mat, trained with coaches and spotters. Science is amazing! Keep asking questions! The more you look around, the more wonders you will find, so keep your eyes open! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!

Why I wrote this