There are three segments of a vault routine: pre-flight, repulsion, and flight. Pre-flight is the word used to describe the way a gymnast approaches the vaulting apparatus, by running down the mat and, at the elite level, often performing a complex entry onto the springboard. After pushing off the vaulting apparatus itself (repulsion), gymnasts must perform aerial elements such as flips and twists, then land cleanly in a designated area of the mat. Points can be deducted for not "sticking" the landing (i.e. when a gymnast has to hop or step after landing to catch her balance), as well as for other errors throughout the vault.