While many gymnasts use trampolines to train, taking advantage of the additional bounce to add height and movement to handsprings and other moves, trampoline and tumbling, or TNT, is a sport in its own right. Trampoline and tumbling events include power tumbling on a long, narrow tumble tramp, trampolining, synchronized trampoline and the double mini trampoline.
Power Tumbling
Power tumbling relies upon an elevated spring runway, sometimes called a tumble trampoline or tumble tramp. The surface allows for dramatic moves with more twists and turns than tumbling on the floor. Traditional tumbling skills, including jumps, rolls, somersaults, and round offs are used. Gymnasts competing in levels one to six perform compulsory routines, while those in level seven and higher perform both compulsory and voluntary routines in power tumbling, according to MissouriTNT.com.
Trampoline
Competition trampolines are substantially more powerful than those found in neighborhood backyards. Both in-ground and above-ground trampolines may meet competitive requirements. At levels one to four, trampoline skills include a variety of jumps. Higher-level skills include a variety of somersaults and tucks. Competition trampolines allow athletes to jump up to 30 feet in the air, reports USA-Gymnastics.org.
Synchronized Trampoline
Synchronized trampoline requires two competition-quality trampolines side by side. Each gymnast performs the same moves at the same time. Both trampoline skills and impeccable timing are necessary to do well in synchronized trampoline. In competition, each athlete performs a 10-skill routine, based on the gymnast's level.
Double Mini-Trampoline
The double mini-trampoline is a small, two-tiered trampoline. The gymnast runs at the trampoline, performs a rebound and a dismount. Jumping and somersaulting skills are essential, with the complexity increasing as the gymnast's skill increases. Double mini-trampoline bears some resemblance to springboard dives, with mats instead of water, according to USA-Gymnastics.org. The gymnast is scored on both the skills and landing, with deductions for landing outside the specified area.
Member Comments