In vaults that involve a flip, which aspect is subject to a deduction for early tuck?

In vaults that involve a flip, the aspect subject to a deduction for early tuck is the repulsion technique. During the vault, gymnasts should maintain an optimal body position throughout the flip phase to ensure a clean and controlled finish. An early tuck indicates that the gymnast has initiated the tuck position too soon, which can negatively affect the rotation and overall execution of the vault.

The repulsion phase is critical because it sets the foundation for maintaining height and control during the flip. If a gymnast tucks too early, it can lead to a lack of height and rotation, making the landing less stable and more difficult to control. Judges look for fluid movements and proper execution throughout the vault, so any deviation from the expected body positions during the repulsion can lead to deductions.