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Trampolining
Trampolining
from Wikipedia

Trampolining or trampoline gymnastics[1] is a competitive Olympic sport in which athletes perform acrobatics while bouncing on a trampoline.[2] In competition, these can include simple jumps in the straight, pike, tuck, or straddle position to more complex combinations of forward and/or backward somersaults and twists. Scoring is based on the difficulty and on the total seconds spent in the air; points are deducted for bad form and horizontal displacement from the center of the bed.

Key Information

Outside of the Olympics, competitions are referred to as gym sport, trampoline gymnastics, or gymnastics, which includes the events of trampoline, synchronised trampoline, double mini trampoline and tumbling.

Origins

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In the early 1930s, George Nissen observed trapeze artistes performing tricks when bouncing off a safety net. He made the first modern trampoline in his garage to reproduce this on a smaller scale and used it to help with his diving and tumbling activities. He formed a company to build trampolines for sale and used a variant of the Spanish word trampolín (diving board) as a trademark. He used the trampoline to entertain audiences and also let them participate in his demonstrations as part of his marketing strategy. This was the beginning of a new sport.

In the United States, trampolining was quickly introduced into school physical education programs and was also used in private entertainment centers. Elsewhere in the world the sport was most strongly adopted in Europe and the former Soviet Union. Since trampolining became an Olympic sport in 2000, many more countries have started developing programs.

Basic landing positions

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Competitive trampolining routines consist of combinations of 10 contacts with the trampoline bed combining varying rotations, twists and shapes with take-off and landing in one of four positions:

  • Feet
  • Seat
  • Front
  • Back

A routine must always start and finish on feet. In addition to the 10 contacts with the bed in a routine, competitors must start their routine within 60 seconds after presenting to the judges. They are also permitted up to one "out bounce", a straight jump to control their height at the end of a routine, before sticking the landing. The trampolinist must stop completely—this means that the bed must stop moving as well—and they have to hold still for a count of 3 seconds before moving.

Basic shapes

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In competitions, moves must usually be performed in one of the following 3 basic shapes:

Shape Method
Tucked with knees clasped to the chest by hands
Piked with hands touching your feet and both arms and legs straight
Straight body in a straight position with legs together, toes pointed, and arms by the sides

A fourth 'shape', known as 'puck' because it appears to be a hybrid of pike and tuck, is often used in multiple twisting somersaults—it is typically used in place of a 'tuck' and in the competition would normally be judged as an open tuck shape.

A straddle or straddled pike is a variant of a pike with arms and legs spread wide and is only recognized as a move as a shaped jump and not in any somersault moves.

Rotation is performed about the body's longitudinal and lateral axes, producing twists and somersaults respectively. Twists are done in multiples of a half and somersaults in multiples of a quarter. For example, a barani ball out move consists of a take-off from the back followed by a tucked 1¼  front somersault combined with a ½  twist, to land on feet. Rotation around the dorso-ventral axis is also possible (producing side-somersaults and "turntables"), but these are not generally considered to be valid moves within competitions and carry no 'tariff' for difficulty.

Trampoline skills can be written in FIG (Federation Internationale de Gymnastique) shorthand. FIG shorthand consists of one digit signifying the number of quarter rotations, followed by digits representing the number of half twists in each somersault, and a symbol representing the position of the skill. "/" represents a straight position, "<" represents a pike position, and "ο" represents a tuck position. For example, 42/ is a back somersault with a full twist in the straight position, 800ο is a double back somersault with no twists in the tuck position, and 821/ is a double somersault that has a full twist in the first full somersault and a half twist in the second full somersault while remaining in a straight position.[3]

Competition

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Individual

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Programme cover from first World Championships showing Rob Walker outside Houses of Parliament

The first individual trampolining competitions were held in colleges and schools in the US and then in Europe. In the early years of competition there was no defined format with performers often completing lengthy routines and even remounting if falling off partway through.[4] Gradually competitions became more codified such that by the 1950s the 10-bounce routine was the norm thereby paving the way for the first World Championships which were organised by Ted Blake of Nissen and held in London in 1964. The first World Champions were both American, Dan Millman and Judy Wills Cline. Kurt Baechler of Switzerland and Ted Blake of England were the European pioneers and the first ever televised National Championships were held in England in 1958.

Soon after the first World Championships, an inaugural meeting of prominent trampolinists was held in Frankfurt to explore the formation of an International Trampoline Federation. In 1965 in Twickenham, the Federation was formally recognised as the International Governing Body for the sport. In 1969, the first European Championship was held in Paris and Paul Luxon of London was the winner at the age of 18. The ladies winner was Ute Czech from Germany. From that time until 2010, European and World Championships have taken place in alternate years—the European in the odd and the World in the even. Now the World Championships are held annually.

In 1973, Ted Blake organised the first World Age Group Competition (WAG) in the newly opened Picketts Lock Sports Centre; these now run alongside the World Championships. Blake also used the first WAG as an opportunity to organise a World Trampoline Safety Conference which was held in the Bloomsbury Hotel, London, in order to codify safety concerns.[4] There is also a World Cup circuit of international competitions which involves a number of competitions every year. There are also international matches between teams from several countries.

At first the Americans were successful at World Championship level, but soon European competitors began to dominate the sport and for a number of years, athletes from countries that made up the former Soviet Union have often dominated the sport. Germany and France have been the other strong nations in trampolining and the first four ranking places in World Trampolining used to go to USSR, France, Britain and Germany. In recent years, Canada has also produced Olympic medalists and World champions due in large part to contributions made to the sport by Dave Ross. Ross pioneered the sport in Canada almost 30 years ago and has consistently produced Olympic and World Cup athletes and champions. Since trampolining became an Olympic sport, China has also made a very successful effort to develop world-class trampoline gymnasts, their first major success was in the 2007 Men's World Championship and later in both Men's and Women's gold medals and a bronze in the 2008 Olympic Games held in Beijing. Since then, they have won both World Championships and several Olympic medals.

Synchronized

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Female synchronized trampoline performance

In synchronized trampolining, two athletes perform exactly the same routine of ten skills at the same time on two adjacent trampolines. Each athlete is scored separately by a pair of judges for their form in the same manner as for individual competitions. Additional judges score the pair for synchronization. Fewer points are deducted for lack of synchronization if the pair are bouncing at the same height at the same time. The degree of difficulty of the routine is determined in the same way as for individual trampoline routines and the points added to the score to determine the winner.

Double mini

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Double mini trampoline in a training gym

A double mini trampoline is smaller than a regulation competition trampoline. It has a sloped end and a flat bed. The gymnasts run up and jump onto the sloping end and then jump onto the flat part before dismounting onto a mat. Skills are performed during the jumps or as they dismount.

A double mini-trampoline competition consists of two types of pass. In the one, which is known as a mounter pass, the athlete performs one skill in the jump from the sloping end to the flat bed and a second skill as they dismount from the flat bed to the landing mat. In the second, which is known as a spotter pass, the athlete does a straight jump from the sloping end to the flat bed to gain height, then after landing on the flat, performs the first skill, then after landing on the flat a second time, performs a second skill as they dismount. These skills are similar to those performed on a regular trampoline except that there is forward movement along the trampoline.

A double mini-trampoline competitor

The form and difficulty are judged in a similar manner as for trampolining but there are additional deductions for failing to land cleanly (without stepping) or landing outside a designated area on the mat.

Tumbling

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Tumbling gymnastics is a further discipline of gymnastics competed at national and international events, usually alongside trampoline events. Instead of a sprung trampoline, competitors do a single, long complex tumbling and somersaulting combination along a straight, sprung runway, leading to a high final somersault onto a landing mat. The skills involved are very similar to those used in floor exercise or vault routines in artistic gymnastics, but with an extra emphasis on continuity and directional accuracy than in either of those events.

Tumbling is not an Olympic Games event but has been held as part of the European Games, as well as individual World and Continental Championships.

Format

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The International Trampoline Federation became part of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique in 1999. FIG is now the international governing body for the sport which is paired with tumbling as the skill sets overlap. International competitions are run under the rules of FIG. Individual national gymnastics organizations can make local variations to the rules in matters such as the compulsory and optional routines and number of rounds for national and local competitions.

As part of the agreement to merge FIT with FIG, individual trampolining was accepted into the Summer Olympic Games for 2000 as an additional gymnastic sport.

The currently accepted basic format for individual trampoline competitions usually consists of two or three routines, one of which may involve a compulsory set of skills. The skills consist of various combinations of somersaults, shaped bounces, body landings and twists performed in various body positions such as the tuck, pike or straight position.

The routines are performed on a standard 14-foot-by-7-foot regulation-sized trampoline with a central marker. Each routine consists of the athlete performing ten different skills starting and finishing on the feet.

Scoring

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Computer-assisted scoring

The routine is marked out of 10 by five judges with deductions for incomplete moves or poor form. Usually, the highest and lowest scores are discarded. Additional points can be added depending on the difficulty of the skills being performed. The degree of difficulty (DD or tariff) is calculated by adding a factor for each half turn (or twist) or quarter somersault. Difficulty is important in a routine, however, there are differences in opinion between various coaches whether it is better to focus on increasing the difficulty of routines given that this usually results in a reduced form score or to focus on improving execution scores by displaying better form in an easier routine.[5]

In senior level competitions, a "Time of Flight" (ToF) score was added to the overall score from 2010. This benefits athletes who can maintain greater height during their routines. "Time of Flight" is the time spent in the air from the moment the athlete leaves the mat until the time they make contact again and is measured with electronic timing equipment. The score given is the sum the time in seconds of all completed jumps. This is now mainly in all competitions, including Club, County and Regional, as it is a key factor in judging.

In 2017, the method of determining the horizontal displacement from the centre was changed, new markings were added to the bed and zones set up with deductions based on the distance from the centre of the trampoline bed. The score is determined by a deduction which is the sum of all the landing zone deductions subtracted from 10. The displacement is measured electronically where the equipment is available, or else by two judges observing the landing zones.

The total score is a combination of the degree of difficulty (DD) performed plus the total Time of Flight (ToF) minus standardized deductions for poor form and mistakes and the horizontal displacement.

Score records

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The official world record DD for men at a FIG sanctioned event is 18.00, achieved by Jason Burnett of Canada on April 30, 2010, at the Pacific Rim Championships in Melbourne, Australia. He beat his own world record of 17.50 that he had achieved on April 2, 2007, at the Lake Placid, New York, Trampoline World Cup.[6] Burnett beat the twenty-year-old record of 17.00 by Igor Gelimbatovsky (USSR, 1986) and Daniel Neale (GBR, 1999). The top competitors usually perform routines with a DD of 16.5 or greater.[7] In 2009 Jason Burnett completed a training routine with a DD of 20.6 at Skyriders Trampoline Place in Canada.[8] The women's world record DD is 16.20 by Samantha Smith (CAN). The top women competitors usually compete routines with a DD greater than 14.50.[7] The women's synchronised trampoline pair of Karen Cockburn and Rosannagh Maclennan also of Canada completed a new world record DD of 14.20 at the same April 2, 2007, Lake Placid World Cup.

Safety

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Although trampoline competitors are highly trained, they are also attempting to perform complex manoeuvres which could lead to accidents and falls. Trampolines used in competitions have their springs covered in pads to reduce the chance of injury when landing off the bed. They also have padded end decks, which are the locations that athletes are most likely to fall off the trampoline. The rules for international competitions (updated by FIG in 2006) also require 200mm thick mats on the floor for 2 metres around each trampoline and for there to be four spotters whose task it is to attempt to catch or reduce the impact of an athlete falling off the side of the trampoline bed. The floor matting rules are typically adopted by national bodies but not always in full; for example, in the UK the requirement for National & Regional competition is still 2m but only of 20–25mm matting.

Teenage trampoline athletes are at higher risk of injury with higher training loads.[9]

Among Olympic athletes at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 games, the injury rate for trampoline gymnasts was about half that for artistic gymnasts.[10]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Trampolining, also known as , is a competitive Olympic in which athletes perform a series of acrobatic skills, including somersaults, twists, and flips, while rebounding on a rectangular to heights of up to 10 meters. The emphasizes precision in takeoffs and landings, with routines judged on factors such as , horizontal displacement, difficulty, and execution. Falls during a routine result in its immediate termination, requiring athletes to maintain continuous bounces without interruption. The trampoline was invented in 1934 by , inspired by circus performers using safety nets, and initially served as a training tool for tumblers, astronauts, and athletes in sports like diving, , and . The first U.S. National Championships were held in 1948, followed by the inaugural World Championships in 1964 in London, organized by the Fédération Internationale de Trampoline (FIT). Trampolining was recognized as a discipline by the (FIG) in 1999 and made its Olympic debut at the 2000 Sydney Games, featuring individual men's and women's events since then. Competitions in trampolining are governed by and include four main categories: individual , synchronized (pairs performing identical routines), double mini- (a sloped runway leading to a for shorter routines), and tumbling (performed on a sprung track). Olympic events focus solely on individual routines, while World Championships and World Cups encompass all categories, with annual events except in Olympic years. The equipment consists of a standardized measuring 5.23 m × 2.91 m with a 1.15 m frame height, surrounded by safety mats, and a spotter system for competitions. Notable achievements include Canada's Rosie MacLennan with two Olympic gold medals in the women's event (2012, 2016), while in Paris 2024, Great Britain's Bryony Page won women's gold and Belarus's Ivan Litvinovich defended his men's title; has dominated World Championships, winning multiple golds from 2007 to 2015 and the individual titles in 2025. The sport promotes physical development through age-group programs emphasizing safe progression and technical testing, contributing to its growth as both a recreational activity and elite discipline.

History

Invention and Early Development

The origins of trampolining trace back to ancient and early practices involving rebounding surfaces. Indigenous Inuit communities in the regions, including , utilized walrus skins stretched taut as a form of "blanket toss" or , where participants were propelled into the air for hunting scouting or celebratory games, a tradition documented in early 20th-century ethnographic records. In the , circus performers adopted safety nets made of interwoven ropes or canvas to cushion falls from trapeze acts, allowing aerialists to rebound and extend their routines, which served as a direct conceptual precursor to controlled bouncing devices. A more immediate technological antecedent emerged in 1887 with the invention of the Browder life net by Thomas F. Browder, a canvas-and-steel-frame device patented for firefighters to catch individuals leaping from burning buildings, providing elastic rebound similar to later trampolines. The modern trampoline was invented in the early 1930s by , a and student, who drew inspiration from circus trapeze artists bouncing on safety nets during a 1930 performance in , and from competitive divers practicing aerial maneuvers. Between 1935 and 1936, Nissen collaborated with his gymnastics coach Larry Griswold to construct the first viable prototype in a garage, featuring a rectangular steel frame scavenged from junkyards, a taut bed, and coiled springs sourced from automotive parts for elasticity. This design enabled sustained, controlled rebounds, marking a shift from passive safety devices to an active training apparatus. In 1937, Nissen embarked on a promotional tour across the with Griswold, demonstrating the device at fairs, schools, and athletic events to showcase its potential for acrobatic practice; during an extension to , Nissen encountered the Spanish term "el trampolín" (meaning or ) and anglicized it to "," trademarking the name in 1945 alongside a U.S. patent for the "tumbling device." Early adoption focused on utility rather than , with the U.S. incorporating trampolines in the 1940s for pilot and paratrooper training to simulate disorientation and enhance spatial awareness during . By the , the device gained traction in sports training programs, aiding tumblers and in perfecting flips and twists, as well as divers in rehearsing somersaults without water entry, and even Soviet and American space agencies used it to acclimate astronauts to microgravity transitions. This foundational period laid the groundwork for trampolining's evolution into a competitive sport by the .

Establishment as a Competitive Sport

Trampolining gained formal recognition as a competitive discipline in 1964 when the () acknowledged it as an official , paving the way for structured international events. This recognition facilitated the establishment of the International Trampoline Federation (FIT) in 1964, which organized the inaugural Trampoline World Championships that same year in London, England, marking the 's entry into global competition. In the United States, the first national championships were held in 1948, further solidifying trampolining's competitive foundation domestically. During the 1970s and 1990s, trampolining experienced substantial growth, with the formation of numerous national federations worldwide under the FIT's umbrella, expanding participation from and to other regions. This period also saw the introduction of additional disciplines, including synchronized trampoline, which debuted at the World Championships in as a mixed team event before evolving into separate competitions, and double mini-trampoline, developed in 1970 and featured prominently at the 1976 Trampoline Age Group World Championships. A pivotal milestone occurred in 1999 with the merger of the FIT into the , integrating trampolining fully as a FIG discipline and enabling its inclusion in the Olympic program. This merger also encompassed tumbling and power tumbling, which became official FIG events within , broadening the sport's scope and competitive structure. Consequently, individual trampoline debuted as a event at the 2000 Olympics, elevating the sport's international profile.

Equipment and Setup

Trampoline Specifications

Competition trampolines adhere to strict standards set by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) to ensure consistency, safety, and performance in international events. The bed, which provides the jumping surface, measures approximately 4.28 meters in length by 2.14 meters in width under tension, offering a rectangular area optimized for controlled rebounds during routines. The frame stands at a height of 1.15 meters from the ground, with interior dimensions of about 5.05 meters long by 2.91 meters wide, constructed from reinforced galvanized steel for durability and stability. The frame features rounded edges with a minimum of 15 mm and is covered by padded skirting to minimize injury risk during falls. The bed itself is made of woven fabric, selected for its high tensile strength, UV resistance, and ability to deliver uniform bounce without excessive elasticity. This material is attached to the frame via 110 to 118 high-tension coil springs, including reinforced corner springs, which provide the precise rebound force essential for competitive . In contrast to competitive models, recreational trampolines are typically smaller and round, with diameters ranging from 3 to 5 meters (such as common 12-foot or 14-foot backyard units), designed for casual use and complying with ASTM F381 safety specifications for consumer products. These feature similar galvanized frames and beds but with fewer springs (often 72 to 108) and enclosures for added . Competition setups include end decks at both ends of the trampoline, consisting of approximately 2-meter by 3-meter padded platforms with wedge-shaped mats for safe mounting, dismounting, and spotting by coaches. These decks integrate with the overall apparatus, featuring shock-absorbing springs and padding to support athletes during and events.

Safety Features

Safety features in trampolining encompass a range of protective measures designed to minimize hazards during use, including , enclosures, spatial requirements, and structural certifications. These elements ensure the trampoline's frame, springs, and surrounding areas provide adequate cushioning and , while venue setups prevent collisions and falls. Padding requirements mandate the use of shock-absorbing pads to cover the frame, springs, and end decks fully, preventing direct contact that could cause injury. According to the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique () Apparatus Norms (Edition 2023), frame and spring must be 3.0–5.0 cm thick with a of 30 kg/m³ (±3 kg/m³) and tensile strength of at least 260 kPa, extending up to 6 cm over the bed without touching it during use. For enhanced protection around the apparatus, safety mats of 20 cm thickness (±1 cm) are required, often placed at end decks and platforms to absorb impacts, with compression stress around 70 kPa (±15 kPa at 40% deformation). The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F381-16 standard similarly requires frame to undergo shock testing, ensuring it mitigates impact forces effectively, though specific thickness is determined by criteria rather than fixed dimensions. Enclosure nets serve as a barrier to contain users within the jumping area, reducing the of falls off the . For recreational use, these nets are optional but strongly recommended, while they are required in commercial settings like trampoline parks to comply with regulations. Standards typically specify heights of 2–3 m to accommodate high bounces, with ASTM F381 outlining performance requirements for net materials, connections, and stability to withstand dynamic loads without failure. Venue specifications emphasize adequate height and spacing to allow safe aerial maneuvers. Competition halls must have an interior height of 8–10 m, with FIG norms requiring at least 10 m for senior synchronized events and 8 m for age-group competitions to provide vertical clearance. A minimum 4 m clearance around the trampoline is essential, often achieved through 200 cm-wide safety mats encircling the apparatus to create a buffer zone free of obstructions. Spotters, equipped with dedicated mats (e.g., 164 cm x 113 cm x 14 cm), are mandatory during training sessions to assist in case of loss of control, ensuring immediate intervention. For outdoor trampolines, ground anchoring is crucial to prevent tipping or displacement from or uneven surfaces, typically involving stakes or auger anchors secured to the legs or frame. Non-slip surfaces, such as rubberized mats or textured bases under the equipment, further enhance stability by reducing slippage on grass, , or . Certification under ASTM F381 ensures consumer trampolines meet rigorous safety benchmarks, including static load testing where the frame withstands 360 lbf (1.6 kN) applied simultaneously at four locations (total equivalent force over 650 kg) without permanent deformation or failure, verifying durability for multiple users. Compliance also covers assembly instructions, labeling for hazards, and overall design integrity to support safe recreational and competitive use.

Fundamental Skills

Basic Jumps and Positions

Basic jumps and positions form the foundation of trampolining, emphasizing controlled takeoffs, mid-air alignment, and safe landings to develop body awareness and rebound efficiency. These skills prioritize vertical motion and centering on the bed to minimize travel and maximize height, serving as building blocks for more complex maneuvers. Proper execution reduces injury risk by distributing impact forces evenly across the body and apparatus. The straight jump involves a vertical takeoff from the feet, with the body fully extended—legs together, arms raised overhead, and head neutral—to achieve a controlled on both feet simultaneously at the bed's , known as the crosshair. Feet should land shoulder-width apart with knees slightly bent to absorb impact, ensuring no forward or backward travel. This position promotes straight posture and is essential for maintaining . In the seat landing, or seat drop, the performer lands on the with legs extended forward and hands placed beside the hips for support, forming a 90-degree angle at the hips and knees. The shoulders remain behind the hips, and fingers point forward with arms slightly bent to cushion the drop. To transition back to feet, the hands push down while kicking the legs forward and upward, returning to a standing position without excessive bed travel. This skill teaches rotational control and hip extension. The front landing, or front drop, requires landing on the with arms extended forward, elbows locked at 90 degrees, and hands positioned near the face to protect the head. The entire body contacts the simultaneously upon descent, with hips pushing upward and backward during takeoff for proper . Recovery to feet involves a kick-out motion, extending the body to rebound vertically while staying centered. Elbows and knees align at 90 degrees on impact to distribute force evenly. For the back landing, or back drop, the takeoff opens the hips with arms at the sides, allowing the body to slightly on descent before landing flat on the back, head neutral, and legs vertical. Arms extend overhead post-landing to facilitate a roll or extension back to feet by thrusting the hips forward. This position demands precise timing to avoid hyperextension and ensures controlled impact across the upper back and shoulders. The hands-and-knees landing involves simultaneous contact of hands and knees on the bed, with hips and knees positioned behind the feet and the stomach held above the feet line to maintain alignment. This controlled drop absorbs impact through bent elbows and knees, preventing joint stress, and requires no bed travel for stability. It builds coordination for multi-point support. Takeoff mechanics in basic jumps rely on centering efforts on the trampoline's crosshair, where the bed's elasticity is greatest, enabling maximum rebound height through a powerful leg push-off—bending the knees and ankles to preload the springs before explosive extension. This technique, combined with arm swings for momentum, can propel performers up to 8-10 meters in advanced applications, though beginners focus on control over height. These foundational elements integrate briefly with aerial shapes, such as tucks, by maintaining core alignment during flight to transition smoothly into landings.

Aerial Shapes

Aerial shapes in trampolining encompass the distinct body configurations assumed during the flight phase of jumps, serving to cultivate coordination, body control, and readiness for advanced acrobatic sequences. These positions are executed at the apex of the jump, where the performer transitions from an upright takeoff into the specified shape before unfolding to land on the feet. Fundamental aerial shapes include the tuck, , , and layout, each governed by precise biomechanical criteria to promote safe and effective performance. The tuck shape involves pulling the knees toward the chest, with the thighs drawn close to the upper body to form an angle of 135° or less between the upper body and thighs, and another 135° or less between the thighs and lower legs. The hands grasp the shins or legs below the knees to secure the compact form, which is typically held during the airborne phase to enable tighter rotational dynamics. This position emphasizes folded compactness, aiding in the development of rotational awareness. In the pike shape, the hips flex to create an angle of 135° or less between the upper body and thighs, while the legs remain straight and the angle between the thighs and lower legs exceeds 135°. The performer reaches forward with the hands to touch the legs below the knees, keeping the thighs proximate to the for a streamlined fold. This configuration demands greater flexibility than the tuck and is instrumental in building hip control and extension timing. The shape features the legs extended straight and separated wide, at least width apart—with the toes pointed and the upper body held upright or piked forward at the hips by more than 45°. The arms extend forward or to the sides to accentuate the lateral stretch, promoting balance and leg . This open-legged position enhances lateral stability and prepares performers for divergent limb movements. The layout shape maintains a straight, horizontal body alignment during flight, with the angle between the upper body and thighs greater than 135°, the legs together, and toes pointed to form a seamless line from head to feet. Often slightly arched for aesthetic extension, this position is essential for preparation, as it allows for controlled opening and closing transitions. Layout execution fosters full-body tension and spatial orientation. Basic combinations integrate these shapes into simple jumps without added rotation or twist, such as the tuck jump—where the body tucks mid-air before unfolding to land feet-first—the pike jump, which holds the piked form before extension, and the straddle jump, featuring wide leg separation followed by closure upon landing. These exercises emphasize shape initiation near the jump's peak and controlled descent. Progression in aerial shapes focuses on sustaining the position at the flight's apex to refine timing and , gradually increasing hold duration to approximately 0.5 to 1 second as control improves. This methodical practice builds the precision needed for seamless integration into more demanding routines. These shapes also contribute to basic landings by reinforcing aligned body positioning upon recontact with the trampoline bed.

Competitive Disciplines

Individual Trampoline

Individual trampoline is the core solo discipline in competitive , performed on a rectangular measuring approximately 5.25 by 2.95 meters, where athletes execute a series of aerial maneuvers emphasizing height, difficulty, and precise execution. Unlike synchronized trampoline, which involves paired performers mirroring movements, individual routines highlight personal control and vertical projection to maximize flight time and skill complexity. This format debuted as an Olympic event in and remains a staple at major international competitions governed by the Fédération Internationale de (FIG). A standard routine consists of 10 consecutive skills, starting and ending on the feet in an upright position on the bed, with a controlled out-bounce permitted after the final element. These skills incorporate forward and backward , with or without twisting up to 3.5 rotations, and various saltos to demonstrate difficulty. Representative examples include the full twisting double back somersault, a backward double somersault with one full twist, and the , a forward somersault with a half twist transitioning into a front double somersault. The sequence must flow continuously without interruption, showcasing consistent height and form throughout. Height achievement is central to the , evaluated through electronic of the total —the aggregate duration spent airborne across the 10 skills—which directly influences the score by rewarding greater vertical displacement. Qualification to occurs via the top 8 athletes from preliminary rounds, determined by their highest combined scores from difficulty and execution across one or two routines. Competitions feature distinct men's and women's divisions, with separate events at the and FIG World Championships to account for physiological differences in power and technique.

Synchronized Trampoline

Synchronized trampoline is a competitive discipline in trampoline where two athletes, typically of the same , perform identical routines simultaneously on adjacent trampolines positioned parallel and 2 meters apart. The pairs execute a voluntary routine consisting of 10 elements, including a combination of forward and backward somersaults with or without twists, such as double twisting triples, ensuring no repetition of skills within the routine. Both gymnasts must begin facing the same direction, though the direction of twists may differ, and the performance emphasizes mirrored execution to demonstrate harmony and control. The core challenge lies in the synchronization demands, where partners must match the timing, height, and of their movements precisely, with no physical contact permitted between them or the trampolines. is evaluated electronically through video analysis at up to 240 frames per second, focusing on landing time differences per element; for instance, a deviation of 5-8 frames (approximately 0.05-0.08 seconds at 100 fps) incurs a 0.02-point deduction per , escalating to 1.0 point for larger discrepancies, while differences exceeding 0.4 seconds result in an interruption. and are indirectly assessed via time-of-flight measurements and execution scores, rewarding consistent matching that maintains the routine's flow. Deductions for phase differences in execution further penalize any lack of , contributing to a separate synchronization score out of 20 points (doubled from a maximum of 10). In competitions governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (), qualification for synchronized trampoline follows a multi-round format similar to individual events: all pairs compete in Qualifying Round 1 with two routines (best score counts), advancing the top 16 or 24 to Qualifying Round 2, from which the top 8 pairs proceed to the final, limited to one pair per nation. Mixed-gender pairs are permitted in select events, including world championships since their recent inclusion. This discipline was introduced to the in 1972, adding a team-oriented element to the sport's competitive structure.

Double Mini-Trampoline

The double mini-trampoline (DMT) is a dynamic discipline within , where athletes perform acrobatic routines using a specialized apparatus that combines a run-up for , a dual-section rebounding for aerial maneuvers, and a padded landing area for dismounts. Developed in the , DMT emphasizes power, precision, and height in short, explosive sequences, distinguishing it from longer, continuous routines in other trampoline events. The apparatus enables gymnasts to execute somersaults and twists with minimal contacts, focusing on and form during two sequential passes. The DMT apparatus features a run-up track measuring 22.5 m in length and 1 m in width, providing a non-slip surface for building speed during the approach. The rebounding bed, constructed with a woven or surface tensioned by springs, measures 2.85 m in length and 0.92 m in width under tension, with the mounting end elevated to 0.45 m and the dismount end to 0.70 m from the floor. The bed includes a sloped section at the front for the initial mount and a flat central zone for the connecting skill, flanked by penalty markers to define legal performance areas. The landing mat, positioned behind the bed, is 6 m long, 3 m wide, and 0.3 m thick, with zoned markings (A, B, and C) to evaluate landing position and apply deductions for out-of-bounds falls. All components must meet (FIG) standards for safety, including padded frames and anti-slip bases to minimize injury risk. Each DMT routine comprises two passes, performed consecutively without pause, where the hurdles onto the sloped bed for a mount, executes a brief on the flat bed (with a maximum of three contacts total per pass), and dismounts with a high-flying element to the landing mat. No intermediate bounces are permitted between elements, and repetitions of skills are prohibited in qualifying rounds to encourage variety. Skills incorporate (forward, backward, or side) combined with twists, valued by difficulty tables; for instance, a back tuck mount (a backward without twist) might connect to a full twist dismount (a single with 360 degrees of rotation). Advanced examples include the "" (a triple with double twists) or a barani out (forward with a half twist), limited to two elements per pass to maintain the discipline's fast-paced nature. Judging prioritizes the difficulty of elements, execution quality (including form and control), and , with particular attention to the dismount's height and length to demonstrate power generated from the run-up and bed contacts. and maintenance of height across both passes contribute to execution scores, deducted for form breaks like arm separations or incomplete twists. While some national programs impose height thresholds for qualification, FIG international rules focus on relative without gender-specific minimums. DMT debuted as a competitive event at the 1978 FIG World Championships in and remains a staple of World Championships and , though it is not included in the Olympic program, where only individual and synchronized events are contested.

Tumbling

Tumbling, also known as power tumbling, is a dynamic discipline within trampoline gymnastics that emphasizes linear performed on a specialized apparatus, distinct from rebounding events like or double mini-trampoline. Competitors execute high-speed passes along a sprung track, focusing on explosive power, rapid bounding, and precise landings rather than aerial , with routines showcasing complex combinations of somersaults and twists. This event highlights athleticism through continuous forward, backward, or sideways movements without the use of a trampoline bed, prioritizing speed and control to maintain momentum across multiple passes. The apparatus consists of a 25 m long by 2 m wide inclined sprung track, sloped up to 2% (approximately 1.15 degrees) to facilitate , constructed with a padded, elastic surface for optimal rebound. Preceding the track is a 10 m run-up area for building initial speed, followed by a 6 m equipped with mats to absorb final impacts. This setup allows athletes to perform bounding sequences where each foot contacts the track briefly, generating forward without significant vertical lift, in contrast to the elevated mounts seen in double mini-trampoline dismounts. The design ensures consistent energy return while minimizing injury risk through its controlled incline and cushioned zones. A standard routine comprises 8 bounding passes, each incorporating 2 to 4 combined with twists, such as a triple back somersault with 2.5 twists, executed in rapid succession down the track without pauses. The emphasis lies on maintaining high , powerful takeoffs, and stable landings on the feet or hands, with deductions for disruptions in flow or incomplete rotations. Originating from early acrobatic bouncing on mats, the discipline evolved into its modern form in the with the introduction of dedicated competitive tumbling tracks, standardizing the apparatus and rules under international governance. This progression transformed informal tumbling exhibitions into a structured , integrating advanced aerial techniques while retaining a focus on linear power. In competition, athletes perform 6 passes during preliminaries to qualify, with the top 2 per advancing to the finals where full 8-pass routines are executed for medal contention. Judging evaluates difficulty, execution, and form, rewarding seamless transitions and minimal deductions for landing instability or rhythm breaks. This format ensures a progression from qualifying showcases of core skills to high-stakes finals emphasizing comprehensive difficulty and precision.

Competition Format and Rules

Event Structure

Trampolining competitions follow a structured progression designed to ensure fair advancement while maintaining safety and competitive integrity across various international events. In the , only individual trampoline events for men and women are contested, with 16 per gender participating in qualifications. During qualifications, each performs two routines—one compulsory focusing on execution and one voluntary incorporating difficulty—scored on execution, difficulty, and , with the top eight advancing to the final based on aggregate scores. The final consists of a single voluntary routine for each qualifier, with scores reset to zero and no carryover from qualifications; the starting order is determined by qualification ranking, lowest to highest. At the World Championships, a multi-day format applies to senior athletes, incorporating preliminary rounds, semi-finals, and finals for and synchronized , double mini-trampoline (DMT), and tumbling disciplines. In , qualifications (Q1) feature two exercises per athlete, with the highest score counting; the top 24 athletes (for 48+ entries) or top 16 (for 32-47 entries) advance to semi-finals (Q2), where each performs one voluntary exercise. The top eight from Q2 proceed to finals, performing one exercise, with a maximum of two athletes per national federation; scores do not carry over between rounds. Synchronized follows a similar structure, with pairs performing identical routines simultaneously. Team events occur in select years, such as at World Championships, where qualifications sum the three highest scores per team, and the top eight teams advance to finals consisting of three rounds with ranking points assigned (10 for first place down to 1 for eighth). Each competition phase includes a brief warm-up period to prepare athletes without influencing performance outcomes. For trampoline events, athletes receive 45 seconds of warm-up time per routine, consisting of one touch on the apparatus immediately before their turn, except in team finals where no warm-up occurs. Routines must commence within one minute of the chief judge's signal, with penalties ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 points for delays up to 180 seconds, after which the athlete is disqualified; the routine itself has no fixed duration but typically involves 10 contacts within the bed area. Safety spotters are positioned around the trampoline during training and all competition rounds, including finals, to assist if needed without touching during a routine, which interrupts the exercise and voids affected elements. Competitions maintain separate progression tracks for each discipline—individual trampoline, synchronized trampoline, DMT, and tumbling—to accommodate their unique requirements, such as DMT's two-element sequences or tumbling's passes along a track. Age groups structure participation, with junior categories typically for athletes aged 14-17, featuring restricted difficulty in early qualifications (e.g., one routine with special requirements and no difficulty score) to support development, while seniors (18+) perform fully voluntary routines throughout. World Age Group Competitions extend this to broader categories like 11-12 (AG1) and 13-14 (AG2), with top eight advancing directly from qualifications to finals without semi-finals.

Judging Criteria

In trampoline gymnastics competitions governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), judging criteria emphasize the qualitative evaluation of performers' technique, control, and precision during routines. Judges assess execution, which encompasses body form, positional accuracy, and consistency throughout each element, applying deductions on a scale of 0.0 to 0.5 points per skill for identified form breaks. For instance, minor deviations such as leg separation during a straight or position incur a 0.1-point deduction, while more significant errors like an incomplete twist—where the performer fails to complete the intended —result in a 0.3-point deduction. These deductions ensure that routines demonstrate clean lines, stable body control, and adherence to defined shapes, with the maximum penalty per element capped at 0.5 point to reflect overall performance quality. Difficulty evaluation forms another core criterion, where a dedicated panel assigns a (DD) value to each element based on its technical complexity, as outlined in the FIG tariff tables. A double back (tucked, no twist), for example, is valued at 1.0 DD, with more advanced variations like a double back straight receiving up to 2.4 DD. Senior routines typically achieve total difficulties around 6.0 to 7.0 DD, encouraging balanced programs that combine high-risk maneuvers without excessive repetition. This assessment prioritizes the integration of , twists, and positional changes to reward innovative yet executable sequences. Judges also visually evaluate airtime and for consistency and , penalizing inconsistencies that affect the routine's flow. Under-rotation, where a performer lands short of the intended orientation (e.g., on the or knees instead of feet), draws penalties ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 points depending on severity, as it compromises stability and overall control. In synchronized trampoline events, an additional focus is on phase and matching between partners, with deductions up to 1.0 point per element for desynchronization in timing or differences that disrupt unison. The judging panel for trampoline events consists of six execution judges who score form and deductions, two difficulty judges who evaluate DD values, and electronic measurement for time-of-flight. This structure, as defined in rules, promotes objective and multifaceted assessment across disciplines.

Scoring System

In trampoline competitions governed by the (), the scoring system for individual events combines multiple components to evaluate performance comprehensively. For qualification rounds, each routine is scored using the : Execution (E) + Difficulty (D) + Horizontal Displacement (H) + (T) - Penalties (P), where E has a maximum of 20 points, H a maximum of 10 points, D is the sum of element difficulties with no upper limit, and T is the electronically measured total time airborne. Competitors perform two voluntary routines in qualifications, and the sum of these scores determines ranking and advancement to subsequent rounds or finals. In finals, difficulty is excluded to emphasize execution quality, resulting in the simplified formula: E + H + T - P. The execution score is derived from six judges who assess form, control, and landing faults per element, taking the median deduction from each pair of judges (after dropping the highest and lowest overall), then averaging and subtracting from the 20-point maximum; deductions range from 0.1 to 0.5 points per fault, up to 0.5 point for major errors per element. Horizontal displacement evaluates landing position relative to the trampoline center across zones, with deductions of 0.0 to 0.3 points per element subtracted from the 10-point maximum. Time of flight is measured electronically for each of the routine's contacts (typically 10 elements), averaging the airborne duration in 1/100 seconds and adding the total directly to the score without a fixed maximum. For synchronized trampoline, the formula adapts to pair performance: average Execution (E, max 10 points per gymnast) + Difficulty (D) + Horizontal Displacement (H, max 10 points average) + (S, max 20 points) - Penalties (P). The synchronization score starts at a maximum of 10 points, with deductions for timing differences (e.g., 0.02 points per 0.05-second discrepancy in landings), then doubled to reach the 20-point cap; execution is averaged across both gymnasts after median deductions from 10 points each. Tie-breaking prioritizes higher difficulty scores, followed by execution, then , and finally horizontal displacement; if unresolved, the competitor with the lower total penalties advances. Common penalties include 1.0 point for falls outside the bed and 0.5 to 1.0 points for out-of-bounds landings or major disruptions, applied by the chief judge panel.

Records and Achievements

World Records

In trampolining, world records are maintained by the (FIG) and encompass highest scores in qualification and finals across disciplines, as well as specialized metrics like (TOF). These records reflect peak performances at major events such as the World Championships, with updates tracked through official FIG competitions. At the 2025 World Championships in , , China dominated the individual events, with Wang Zisai winning the men's gold and Hu Yicheng the women's gold. In double mini-trampoline (DMT), Melania Rodriguez of defended her title in the women's final, securing her second consecutive world championship. FIG continues to update these records through ongoing World Championships and World Cups.

Olympic and Major Event Highlights

Trampolining made its Olympic debut at the 2000 Games, marking the first time the discipline was contested as an official event with equal representation for men and women, featuring 16 athletes per gender. In the men's individual final, Aleksandr Moskalenko of secured gold with a score of 41.7, edging out Australia's Ji Wallace for silver. The women's event saw Irina Karavaeva of claim the inaugural gold medal with 38.9 points, followed by silver for Oksana Tsyhuleva of . At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, achieved a historic sweep of the individual golds, underscoring the nation's rising dominance in the sport. Lu Chunlong won the men's title with 41.0 points, while He Wenna took gold in the women's competition. This double victory highlighted 's investment in trampolining training programs, setting a benchmark for future international competitions. The 2024 Paris Olympics featured standout performances that celebrated perseverance and technical excellence. In the women's individual final, Great Britain's Bryony Page captured gold with a score of 56.750, completing her collection of Olympic medals after previous silver and finishes. The men's event was won by Ivan Litvinovich of the Individual Neutral Athletes, who defended his title and became the first man to win consecutive Olympic golds in trampolining. The 2025 Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships in , , showcased strong performances across disciplines, with the dominating double mini-trampoline events. Ruben Padilla of the claimed gold in the men's double mini-trampoline, marking his third consecutive world title in the discipline. New Zealand's athletes excelled in synchronized trampoline, with Maddie Davidson and Dylan Schmidt securing fourth place in the mixed synchro final, narrowly missing the podium. A key milestone at the 2025 Worlds was Padilla's in the men's individual final, the first such achievement for a U.S. man in 51 years and highlighting a resurgence in American trampolining. Since its Olympic inception in 2000, trampolining has maintained gender equity in event structures, with identical individual formats for men and women at every Games.

Safety Considerations

Common Injuries and Risks

Trampolining is associated with a significant number of injuries, particularly in recreational settings. , approximately 100,000 individuals seek room treatment annually for trampoline-related injuries as of recent estimates up to 2023, with the majority occurring among children. Between 2009 and 2018, over 800,000 children sustained such injuries, leading to medical costs estimated at $1 billion for emergency visits during a similar period from 2002 to 2011. About 80% of these injuries affect children under 16 years old, and approximately 20–30% require surgical intervention, including spinal fractures. The most prevalent injuries involve damage and skeletal trauma. Sprains and strains, often affecting the ankles and knees, account for around 33-40% of cases, typically resulting from twists or awkward landings. Fractures, particularly in the wrists and arms, comprise about 25% of injuries and frequently stem from falls onto the frame or mat. , including concussions, represent approximately 15% of incidents, commonly due to falls from height or collisions. These patterns are drawn from large-scale analyses of data spanning over a decade. Key risks exacerbate these injury types, with multiple jumpers contributing to up to 75% of cases through collisions that lead to falls or impacts. Over-rotation during aerial maneuvers, such as failed somersaults, often results in axial loading on the spine, increasing the likelihood of cervical or thoracic injuries. Demographically, 90% of injuries occur in recreational environments like trampolines, where may be inconsistent. Recent trends show trampoline parks contributing to a growing share of injuries, with rates of 1.14 per 1,000 jumper-hours as of 2023, including 11% significant cases requiring medical attention beyond the park. In contrast, competitive athletes face heightened risks of chronic overuse conditions, such as from repetitive jumping and landing stresses.

Prevention Strategies

Effective prevention of risks in trampolining relies on strict protocols, particularly for younger participants. Competent adult is mandatory at all times, with qualified instructors providing direct oversight during activities to ensure adherence to safety rules. The (AAP) recommends that children under 6 years old should not use trampolines at all, and is required for all children. Only one jumper is permitted on the at a time to avoid collisions. In competitive and training environments, a minimum of four spotters—positioned around the —must be present to assist in case of falls or loss of control. Training protocols emphasize progressive skill development to build competence safely. Participants begin with basic jumps under instructor guidance, advancing only after mastering prerequisites, such as proper mounting and dismounting. Warm-up exercises are required to prepare muscles and joints, reducing the likelihood of strains during routines. High-risk maneuvers like somersaults or flips are restricted to supervised sessions with protective , such as harnesses, and spotter support. Regular equipment inspections are essential to maintain integrity and functionality. Trampolines must be checked before each use for worn springs, tears in the bed or padding, and secure attachments, with damaged components replaced immediately. In recreational settings, enclosures with nets should be installed and verified for holes or gaps, while ladders are removed post-use to prevent unauthorized access. For competitions, the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique () mandates padded zones around the frame and springs (3.0–5.0 cm thick), along with 20 cm mats encircling the apparatus and shock-absorbent end decks (7.5–20 cm thick) to cushion landings. Authoritative guidelines further outline best practices to minimize hazards. The AAP strongly advises against home trampoline use for children under 6 years due to elevated risks, recommending participation only in structured programs with professional coaching and specialized equipment. FIG regulations require all competitive venues to feature certified apparatus with anti-slip bases and clearance zones free of obstacles, ensuring uniform elasticity and no sharp edges on the bed. Educational measures reinforce safe practices through targeted instruction and awareness. Participants and guardians must complete courses or acknowledgments detailing rules, such as landing feet-first and avoiding without , to foster risk awareness. In recreational parks, protocols—including immediate cessation of activity and medical response plans—should be posted and reviewed with users to handle incidents efficiently.

References

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