RELIABILITY OF A GYMNASTICS VAULTING FEEDBACK SYSTEM

Abstract

The current study assessed the intra- and inter-day reliability of a custom-built gymnastics vaulting feedback system. The system is a coach-friendly customized infra-red timing gate and contact timing mat system operated by the coach to augment the feedback provided to gymnasts on their vaulting performance during regular training practice. Thirteen Australian high performance gymnasts (eight males and five females) aged 11-23 years were assessed during two training sessions (Day 1 and Day 2) at their regular training centre. The approach velocity and board contact time measures were found to be reliable measures during vault training, with measures of pre-flight and table contact time less consistent. Future research should examine the validity of these measures as a tool for monitoring vault training.