How to Build a Spotting Platform for Uneven Bars

Spotting blocks are used by trainers of Olympic athletes.

A spotting platforms for uneven bars is an essential gymnastic training tool. Spotting blocks allow coaches and trainers to stand high and help lift athletes onto bars and work with them on their form. The trick to crafting spotting blocks is to make a set of three individual blocks the join together as stairs. Adding cushion and hook-and-loop tape to the outside of each block provides comfort to the trainer and the ability for each block to connect and disconnect without hassle.

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Circular saw
• 36-by-57-inch plywood pieces (4)
• 36-by-36-inch plywood pieces (2)
• 80-grit sand paper
• Wood glue
• 3-by-3-inch metal L-brackets (multiple)
• Drill
• 1/2-inch screws
• 36-by-48-inch plywood pieces (4)
• 36-by-36-inch plywood pieces (2)
• 24-by-36-inch plywood pieces (4)
• 24-by-24-inch plywood pieces (2)
• Scissors
• 1/4-inch high-density urethane foam
• 18-ounce vinyl-coated fabric
• Permanent epoxy
• 4-by-36-inch hook-and-loop strips (4)

Instructions

1. Slide on a pair of work gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask to protect your skin, eyes and lungs.

2. Measure four pieces of plywood to 36-by-57-inch dimensions. Cut out each piece with a circular saw. Repeat to create two plywood pieces with 36-by-36-inch dimensions. Smooth the edges of each piece with 80-grit sandpaper.

3. Fit together the six pieces to form a three-dimensional box. Bond the edges of each plywood piece with wood glue.

4. Attach three evenly spaced 3-by-3-inch metal L-brackets to one edge of the box. Repeat for every edge of the box.

5. Measure four pieces of plywood to 36-by-48-inch dimensions. Cut out each piece with a circular saw. Repeat to create two plywood pieces with 36-by-36-inch dimensions. Smooth the edges of each piece with 80-grit sand paper. Repeat to create a second box.

6. Measure four pieces of plywood to 24-by-36-inch dimensions. Cut out each piece with a circular saw. Repeat to create two plywood pieces with 24-by-24-inch dimensions. Smooth the edges of each piece with 80-grit sand paper. Repeat to create a second and third box.

7. Cut four pieces of 1/4-inch-thick, high-density urethane foam to 36-by-57-inch dimensions. Repeat to create two pieces at 36-by-36-inch dimensions. Fit and bond the pieces to the outside of the 36-by-57-inch box -- the first box -- with permanent epoxy. Repeat this process to provide foam padding to both the 36-by-48-inch (second) and the 24-by-36-inch (third) boxes.

8. Cut four pieces of 18-ounce vinyl coated fabric to 36-by-57-inch dimensions. Repeat to create two pieces at 36-by-36-inch dimensions. Fit and bond the pieces to the outside of the 36-by-57-inch box -- the first box -- with permanent epoxy. Repeat this process to provide vinyl coated fabric covering to both the 36-by-48-inch (second) and the 24-by-36-inch (third) boxes.

9. Cut four individual pieces of hook-and-loop tape to 4-by-36-inch dimensions. Evenly space two half-pieces of one of the 36-inch sides of the 24-by-36-inch box. Apply the matching halves to the 36-by-48-inch box so the 24-by-36-inch box will connect flush. Repeat with the two remaining strips to connect the 36-by-48-inch and 36-by-57-inch blocks.

References

• Resilite Sports Products: Spotting Platform Blocks -- Examples