Topic: Correct Way to Tuck Legs on Kong/Monkey Vault?

[-Ash-]

I know this sounds stupid, but I've never gonna learn unless I ask. How do I tuck my legs while doing a kong/monkey vault? Are the two vaults (monkey and kong) different? Should my knees my touching my chest, or should be heels be touching my butt? 

Sorry if it's a stupid question. 

[WoodlandGhillie]

With the kong, you're pretty much diving over the obstacle, it's just that your are tapping it to realign yourself to the ground. Remember to REALLY do some good joint rotation for your wrists. I recently sprained my right wrist from not warming it up enough.

[Justin "Rabbit" Oakes]

Def not a stupid question man .. no questions are stupid when it comes to parkour.. its good to know all aspects ... its really hard for me to explain in words.. BUT there are tutorials on youtube everywhere on these 2 vaults.. there is usually a video of them doing it after they show how and stuff.. and its in slowmotion.. study where their legs are.. look over it over and over.. it worked for me when i was beginning .. hope this helps bro

Justin Oakes

[-Ash-]

With the kong, you're pretty much diving over the obstacle, it's just that your are tapping it to realign yourself to the ground. Remember to REALLY do some good joint rotation for your wrists. I recently sprained my right wrist from not warming it up enough.

So how do I tuck my legs? I've seen a few things one way, and a few the other way. Does it matter? And is there a difference in the monkey/kong? My problem is getting over railings. I can get over just about any railing I've encountered, but my vault isn't straight. (as seen in my other topic. yes, I make lots of topics. I have lots of questions.  ) I thought it might have to do with how I'm putting my legs.

I'll keep the wrist thing in mind. I'm more worried about faceplants right now though. 

Thanks. 

[redoctober]

When done correctly a kong shouldn't contain an actual tuck. Think of the kong as a forward dive. When you take off your body should be extended and horizontal. Then your hands hit the obstacle, the force of impact starts to bring you back to a standing position. At this point you also pull your legs forward and pull your back up. While coming back to a vertical standing position the knees will often come to a point slightly in front of the arms, giving the illusion that the traceur is tucking or bringing their legs through their arms. Here is a good tutorial for kongs that also addresses getting over the fear of catching your feet on things. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXH7FHfMCH0

[GeorgePK]

Remember to REALLY do some good joint rotation for your wrists. I recently sprained my right wrist from not warming it up enough.

x2
HIGHLY RECOMME...you know what, make it a priority

[Roger Favorite]

I think I know what you're asking, and I would think of it more as knees to chest, because it bring the feet up higher. Also think about lifting your toes up.  If you try and bring your feet to your butt, you tend to point the toes and that points them down, at the ground, which leaves them open to be caught on something.  Hope that helps, if you need more clarification from my sketchy explanation just ask.

[-Ash-]

I think I know what you're asking, and I would think of it more as knees to chest, because it bring the feet up higher. Also think about lifting your toes up.  If you try and bring your feet to your butt, you tend to point the toes and that points them down, at the ground, which leaves them open to be caught on something.  Hope that helps, if you need more clarification from my sketchy explanation just ask.

Yes, that's exactly what I was asking; and that answered my question. Thank you. 

[Travis S]

Yeah, knees to chest, feet to butt, and never keep your ankles tight. You basically want to ball up and keep balanced so that when you un-tuck you can run out with power.

[-Ash-]

Okay. About when should I untuck? Right after my feet go over the railing, or right before I hit the ground? I know that sounds kinda stupid, but... I won't know unless I ask. 

[Sai Chikine]

Go out and try it. Chances are (as long your eyes are closed) you'll untuck naturally. You'll reflexively stretch out your legs and land as you come out of the kong.

[WoodlandGhillie]

Okay. About when should I untuck? Right after my feet go over the railing, or right before I hit the ground? I know that sounds kinda stupid, but... I won't know unless I ask. 

Good Q.

When your feet are in line with your hands and the rail, let go, and untuck hard. Try to keep running. Need a better explanation? I think I can do it better... but, yeah...

[Travis S]

Ok, in the case of the monkey, you launch, push off with arms (try to almost throw your arms behind you), then after you've launched off the arms, leg one untucks and drives foward while the other leg extends ready for the next step.

Think hurdles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS4vyJ_C6q0

these guys are efficient and quick, great model for parkour movement.

[-Ash-]

@Evan: That makes sense. I'll have to go and try that, because I normally untuck...well, after that.

@Travis: Isn't landing on just one leg bad for your knees, though?

[Romans82]

@Travis: Isn't landing on just one leg bad for your knees, though?

Yes, if you try to land stationary on one leg and permit all of your weight to transfer over onto it. But you want to land with your legs in alternative positions so that you can continue running.

Now about tucking your legs. You don't really tuck your legs under like it may seem. Your legs don't go through your legs either. Your legs go through where your hands WOULD be if you would have not taken your hands off. Just practice running up to obstacles and putting your hands on the front of it and jumping up. Then while in the air try to put your body parallel to the ground. That will help you get the "feel" of what your legs will be like.

[Travis S]

Landings, of course, are determined by the height of the drop, if the monkey is performed at level ground then there is no reason (usually) to not run out on one foot. If the drop is of a manageable size to take with a slap landing then a roll is unnecessary. However, I provided a look at the technique for a no drop scenario because when learning this discipline all training should be done without significantly sized drops.