In a switchable support element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, the lost motion spring (8) of the valve train is made as a torsion spring. This spring is arranged outside of the support element (1) and only the legs and the arms of the spring engage a housing and a head, respectively. In this way, the support element (1) requires no substantially larger design space than non-switchable prior art elements, particularly in axial direction.