Trampolining is a backyard leisure activity and Olympic sport that can strengthen and tone your muscles, and build your heart and lungs. Competition trampoline athletes perform trick and acrobatics to win points from judges, while someone who trampolines for fun may just the feeling of freedom trampolining brings. Exercise caution regardless of the type of trampolining you do, as injury is possible when jumping that high.
Tuck Jump
The tuck jump is a basic move that enables you to stay right in the center of the trampoline, with only a minimum of extra body movement. It is an effective move to get used to the action of the trampoline and get comfortable doing something other than straight up and down jumping. To do the tuck jump, get jumping up and down, and as you rise into the air, bring your knees up to your chest. You can hug your knees to your chest or just tuck them up if that's easier for you. Land on your feet between each tuck.
Pike Jump
The pike jump is a little more involved than the tuck, as your body must move away from being completely vertical. Jump as normal, but this time as you get airborne, keep your legs straight and raise them up toward your head. Try to touch your hands to your toes in a classic pike position at the top of the jump. Land on your feet, or bounce on your butt if you don't have time to get your feet back down.
Back Drop
Executing a back drop isn't particularly difficult, but it does take some nerve. You may want to wait until you're comfortable on the trampoline to try it. Basically, instead of landing on your feet when you jump, you fall backward and land on your back, and then spring back up to your feet. It's important to be away from the side of the trampoline when you do a back drop, so you don't hit your head on the side.
Stopping
The ability to put the brakes on while you are jumping is important if you have to stop suddenly for any reason. To stop on a trampoline, you must bend your knees and flex your leg muscles quickly once your feet have touched the trampoline. Stopping suddenly is an acquired skill and feeling, and it is wise to practice it before you try harder tricks and stunts.
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