To do a reverse vault, jog at the obstacle, put one hand flat on top, hop with your feet together and turn a full 360 degrees around that hand as you pass over, landing on the far side facing the way you started. Partway through, your back faces the obstacle. That’s the “reverse” part. It’s a fun, flowing vault, but it needs more control than the beginner vaults, so learn the safety and speed vaults first.
What Makes the Reverse Vault Different
Wikipedia’s overview of vaults describes it as a backspin over an object, with one or both hands on it. London Parkour teaches the one-handed version as a full 360-degree turn over a wall, landing on the far side facing your starting direction, on one foot or two. Most vaults keep you facing forward the whole way. This one turns you all the way round.
How to Do a Reverse Vault, Step by Step
- Approach at a jog. London Parkour says you need jogging pace or faster. Too slow and you won’t make it round.
- Plant one hand flat. Palm down, fingers flat, not steepled. In London Parkour’s example, the right hand goes on the wall in front of the left hip, crossing your body. Rockstar Academy describes the same idea: place the hand opposite to the direction you want to spin.
- Hop with your feet together. Jump both feet up and bring your legs over the wall as you start to turn.
- Turn around your hand. Keep rotating around your planted arm. Your back faces the obstacle halfway through, and you keep turning until you face forward again.
- Land and look ahead. Bring your legs down on the far side and look straight ahead as you land, on one or both feet.
The Progression
- Learn the safety and speed vaults first. London Parkour describes the reverse vault as a sibling of the speed vault, and it builds on the same one-hand support.
- Start with a reverse step vault on a low wall. London Parkour’s progression begins with a foot on top of the wall to support the turn.
- Remove the foot. As the turn gets comfortable, take the supporting foot away so your hand does the work.
- Add speed gradually. Rockstar Academy suggests practising on an easy obstacle at a slow pace first, and warns that running in too fast can make you over-rotate and land badly.
- Train both directions. London Parkour’s test standard is three clean reps on each side over a wall at hip height or higher.
Common Problems
- Not getting round. Usually too little speed. London Parkour is clear that this vault needs momentum.
- Spinning too far. The opposite problem. Rockstar Academy links it to running in too fast. Slow down until the landing is controlled.
- Fingertips on the wall. Keep the whole palm flat so the hand can take your weight as you turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which way should I turn in a reverse vault?
Turn the opposite way to your planted hand: right hand on the wall, turn to your left. Learn one direction first, then train the other.
Is the reverse vault a beginner vault?
It’s a step up. London Parkour lists it among its obscure vaults rather than its basics, and the full turn needs more control and spatial awareness than the safety, lazy or speed vault.
Can I land on one foot?
Yes. London Parkour accepts a landing on one or two feet. Rockstar Academy teaches landing on both feet. Use whichever gives you the more controlled landing.
Where to Go Next
Build the foundations with How to Do a Safety Vault and How to Do a Speed Vault Correctly. For another vault with a turn in it, read How to Do a Turn Vault Step by Step, and see where it all fits in 10 Parkour Vaults for Beginners.