Movements in Parkour

Parkour involves running, jumping, swinging, rolling and various kinds of vaulting as well as quadrupedal movements. As with all new things, it helps to master the basics before attempting the more difficult stuff. With that in mind, here are 3 Parkour moves that beginners can master quickly.

JUMPING UP/DOWN

Many of the harder Parkour moves have a jump integrated into them, so working on your jumping skills is paramount. You can begin by jumping from the ground to a higher level (a bench is a good height to start with) with both feet and landing lightly and in control of your body. Jump back down with both feet, and repeat.

 As you can further do on these movement. Try to jump with one feet. Further on take a small running pace and try a higher obstacle.

JUMPING OVER

When jumping over things, there are two aspects to it – jumping vertically to clear a tall object, and jumping horizontally to clear a large or long object – and many jumps will involve some of each. Take a small run up to an object and leap completely over it without slowing down or touching it, leading with one foot and lifting both legs to clear it, and continue running after landing.
 Once you’ve mastered some smaller objects, repeat with either a higher or a longer object to increase your skills, and set up a small course to run which includes both high jumps and long jumps.

VAULTING

At the basic level, a vault involves making a leap with your body up and to one side, using your hands to direct and propel your body over the object. This moethod is often used by traceur to clear off fences or wall. Examples of vaulting is :

• Monkey vault: Both hands are placed on the obstacle; both legs are pulled up in a squat position with the hips raised and the traceur pulls himself/herself over.
• Lazy vault: One hand is used to swing both legs over an obstacle and the other is placed behind your body to create stability and a way to further propel your body.
• Kong vault: A monkey vault, except that you dive parallel to the object - only placing your hands down at the end of the obstacle. The hands are then used to push down and the legs are put in a monkey position. Also known as the King Kong or the dive Kong.
• Dash vault: Jump first, then place hands down to carry oneself over. The result will be a sitting position halfway through the vault, with the arms used to push off the obstacle.
• Speed vault: A jump sideways but in the center of the obstacle, while one hand is used to push oneself forward. This is similar to the lazy vault; however the inside hand does not touch the obstacle