TP225 Big Bouncer Instruction IN 2050-A 09 09:TP225 Big Bouncer Instruction IN 2050-A 11 09 12/11/2009 15:36 Page 5
INTRODUCTION TO TRAMPOLINING - BASIC SKILLS
During this learning period, jumpers should practice these basic techniques and perfect them. Braking, or
checking the bounce should be taught first and stressed as a safety measure. Jumpers should brake their jump
whenever they start to lose balance or control. This is done by simply bending the knees sharply upon landing and
absorbing the upward thrust of the mat (bed). This enables the jumper to stop suddenly and avoid losing control.
In trampoline use, the take-off point and landing point of a good, controlled jump is on the same spot. An
exercise is considered learned only when a jumper is able to perform it consistently. Jumpers should never proceed to
any advanced step until they can perform all previous techniques consistently. Please see below for information about
marking the centre of the bed with a target area.
Allow each jumper a brief turn on the trampoline. Extended bouncing exposes an over tired user to an increased
risk of injury. Longer turns tend to lessen the interest of others waiting to jump.
Clothing should consist of T-shirt, shorts and regulation gymnastic shoes, heavy socks, or jumpers may be barefoot.
Beginners may wish to wear protective clothing such as a long sleeve shirt and trousers until correct landings are
mastered. This will reduce the chance of mat (bed) burns from improper landings on elbows and knees. No hard sole
shoes should be worn as they cause excessive wear on the trampoline mat (bed).
The trampoline mat is several feet from the ground. Jumping off the trampoline to the ground or any other surface may
result in injury. Jumping onto the trampoline from a roof, deck, or other object also represents a risk of injury. Smaller
children may need assistance getting up on or down from the trampoline.Mounting and dismounting properly
should be a strict rule from the very beginning. Users should climb onto the trampoline by placing their hands on the
frame and stepping or rolling up onto the frame, across the springs, and onto the mat (bed). Do not step directly on the
frame pad or grasp the frame pad when mounting or dismounting the trampoline. Users should always place their hands
on the frame while mounting or dismounting. To dismount, jumpers should walk to the side of the mat (bed), bend over
and place one hand on the frame, then step from the mat to the ground.
Reckless bouncing should not be permitted. All skills should be learned at moderate heights. Control rather than
height, should be emphasized. Jumpers should be forbidden to practice alone and unsupervised.
BEWARE OF
Knee Drop is no longer recommended by the British Trampoline Federation, as it can cause the bouncer to lose control,
bounce forward and fly head first off the side of the trampoline. It has also been known to cause back injuries.
Remember that if you happen to do a Knee Drop you are, in fact, isolating two of your bodies vital control and energy
absorption joints; your knees and your ankles.
There are many more trampoline moves that require a higher degree of skill and training and should be taught by a
qualified trampoline coach.
It is not always realised that somersaults and moves involving full rotation in the air are potentially very dangerous if
attempted without proper training and supervision. For this reason we recommend that somersaults are not attempted
unless under the supervision of a properly qualified trampoline coach.
Big Bouncer
5