Tumbling and Trampoline Gymnastics
Tumbling and Trampoline sports are a branch of gymnastics, similar to how artistic and rhythmic are also a different branch of gymnastics. Tumbling and Trampoline gymnastics are characterised by their spectacular somersaults and twists, which can be much higher in difficulty than those found in Artistic gymnastics.
There are four events in trampoline and tumbling, much like the six apparatus of MAG (Men’s artistic gymnastics) and the four of WAG (Women’s artistic gymnastics). Athletes can choose to compete in some or all of the events, with most electing to specialise in one or two. They also have the option to compete in different levels in the different events meaning they have the capability to still compete in their weaker events at a lower capacity. The events are comprised of: trampoline, double mini trampoline, tumbling and synchronised trampoline.
What is Competitive Tumbling?
Tumbling is the fastest sport in the world!
A pass consists of 8 skills which can be done in under 8 seconds, that’s less than a second a skill!
Competitors perform two passes during the qualification rounds and one or two passes for finals depending on the level. Single, double and triple somersaults are all commonplace with twisting adding to the difficulty.
The action takes place on a 25 metre Rod Floor usually alongside Trampoline and Double Mini Trampoline competitions.
Tumbling requires power, fast reflexes and courage to really excel at this fast-paced sport
What is Competitive Trampoline?
Trampoline is the high-flying discipline, athletes can literally jump over 8m in the air!
Routines are made up of 10 skills which can land on their feet, fronts, backs or seat and must not contain any additional jumps in between. Some commonplace skills are those containing multiple somersaults along with one and a half twists (known as a rudi) and two and a half twists (a randi). For qualifications at competition there is a compulsory routine which contains specific elements an athlete must perform and a voluntary routine in which the athlete can really display their talent. Finals are all down to one voluntary routine to find the best of the best.
The trampolines used are definitely no backyard tramp. With 118 springs and a webbed bed for optimal aerodynamics, even an amateur can reach a height of several metres. This is not to say they are easy to jump on as it requires major strength, control and aerial awareness to become a top-level trampolinist!
What is Competitive Double Mini Trampoline?
The event of double mini trampoline is very similar to the vault apparatus of MAG and WAG. Blink and you will miss it! Athletes have a 20m run up to a stationary miniature trampoline whereby they will perform two skills; one on the trampoline and the other dismounting the trampoline to a landing mat. At the top end, skills will contain no less than a double somersault with the majority adding twists to increase the difficulty and aid in finding a better position on the trampoline.
There are two passes for qualifications and two for finals with no skill allowed to be repeated over the four passes.
The landing mat is also comprised of different zones which the athlete will aim to land in to improve their scores. Double mini trampoline athletes tend to be explosive, flexible and accurate!
What is Synchronised Trampoline?
Just as it sounds, synchronized trampoline is similar to synchronized swimming and other synchronized sports. Two trampolinists will attempt to complete their routine of 10 skills completely in time with one another. Each athlete has their own trampoline placed next to the other making perfect routines look like there is only one athlete and a mirror!
Two routines in qualification will take you to the finals with only one more routine between you and a medal.
Beautiful and breath-taking to watch, you will be on the edge of your seat right until the very end!
How is it Scored?
All disciplines are scored by a panel of judges, each awarding a routine a score out of 10.0. Points are taken away for untidy skills, lack of control and even how high you jump! There can also be penalties for falling, missing skills or landing in the wrong spot. The judges add together their scores along with the score awarded for how difficult the skills in the routine were to obtain an athletes total score.
Who is Trampoline and Tumbling for?
Everyone! To this day we are yet to find an individual who has not had fun flying high on a trampoline or flipping down a tumble track.
At Skybound Gymnastics we offer both a competitive pathway and recreational program to suit those looking for a bit of fun or seeking a bigger challenge!