How to Do Tumble Track Exercises in Preschool Gymnastics
Preschoolers love to bounce and no piece of training equipment is more popular in gymnastic classes than a tumble track. Designed with a long runway, the tumble track is similar to a trampoline but with less bounce. A gymnast is able to practice new skills before trying them on the floor. Preschool children can learn basic tumbling exercises while having fun.
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Instructions
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Inspect the track for safety before each gymnastics class. Elevated tumble tracks should have sufficient mats around all sides and all springs covered securely. Tumble tracks installed near a wall should have wall pads installed to prevent injury.
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Start at the end of the track and have the little gymnasts bunny hop to the other side to warm up and get the feel of the track.
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Add a forward roll between bounces. Instruct the child to jump a few times then bend down to roll. If they have difficulty rolling, have them focus on their belly button to bring their head into the correct position.
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Use the tumble track as 1 station in a gymnastic obstacle course to encourage little gymnasts to follow directions. Combine a bouncing run down the track with a lap around the gym that includes walking across the low beam, doing a pullover on the bar (with a spotter) and a run and jump off the vaulting springboard onto a soft mat.
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Allow only 1 child on the tumble track at a time to prevent falls. In addition, restrict preschool exercises to those with jumps and rolls. A tumble track does not provide enough support to practice cartwheels or other stunts that involve handstands because a small child's wrist is not sturdy enough to support them on a surface that gives way under their hands.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider recruiting a couple of parents to stand by the length of the track when children are bouncing to provide extra spotting security.
Never allow preschool children to play unattended on the tumble track.
