All You Need To Know About Tumbling & Trampoline Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a versatile sport that involves several different versions based on the type of movements and equipment used. While artistic and rhythmic gymnastics are the more popular versions, there is another area of gymnastics that is equally exciting, challenging, and fun to watch and perform – Tumbling and Trampoline (T&T). This version has recently picked up steam and is gradually becoming the preferred area of gymnastics taken up by children and young adults. And for a good reason! Tumbling and trampoline allow gymnasts to enjoy the biggest jumps and maximum air time, thereby making it the most thrilling discipline of gymnastics out of all.

Tumbling & Trampoline Events

Unlike artistic gymnastics that has several events, tumbling and trampoline consist of four events – Power Tumbling, Individual Trampoline, Synchronized Trampoline, and Double-Mini Trampoline. Both men and women compete in all four categories and can choose to participate in one or all four events. One of the best things about tumbling and trampoline is that athletes can compete at a different level, based on their skills for each event.

• Power Tumbling

Power tumbling involves performing very high flips and jumps using an elevated runway, also called a rod floor. It differs from other types of gymnastics as it requires athletes to perform several flips in a row and end with big flips and twists. These moves are performed in succession with the help of the rod floor, which gives gymnasts extra spring.

• Individual Trampoline

Similar to power tumbling except in apparatus, individual trampoline involves high bouncing and performing many successive flips in a row. Over the years, trampoline designs have changed and become more sophisticated. They are much stronger and bouncier now and allow athletes to perform the highest jumps and flips at minimal risk of injury. Individual trampoline event requires gymnasts to perform two routines, each involving 10 connected skills.

• Synchronised Trampoline

As the name suggests, a synchronised trampoline requires the two participating athletes to perform routines of 10 skills each on adjacent trampolines, together and in sync. Timing is everything in a synchronised trampoline as synchronisation and coordination are the main factors by which the gymnasts are judged, along with the level of complexity of skills.

• Double Mini Trampoline

This event is very similar to other gymnastics events like the vault. It involves running down a runway and then jumping onto a mini trampoline, performing a flip, and then dismounting and landing on a mat with a finishing move.

Of these four, only Individual Trampoline is an Olympic event. However, there are several other international championships like the World Games that include all four events. Internationally, tumbling and trampoline are scored for aesthetics and difficulty, using the FIG regulations.

Gymnastics is a challenging sport that includes many thrilling disciplines that require the highest level of dedication, training, strength, and willpower. If you think your child has it in them to master this challenging sport, MK Springers can give them the best platform for growth and success. Contact us on 01908 217788 to learn more about enrolling your child in gymnastics in Milton Keynes.