How to Choose a Trampoline

Series Summary

The modern trampoline was invented in 1934 by competitive gymnasts at the University of Iowa. The word "trampoline" comes from the Spanish word for "diving board," which one of the inventors remembered from a diving expo he had attended in Mexico. Trampolines consist of a taut fabric connected to a metal frame by coil springs. These springs are pulled and extended when a jumper lands on the trampoline bed and then retract with a propulsive force, pushing the trampoline user up into the air. Trampolines are used to train astronauts and professional gymnasts but also make great recreational devices at home, giving jumpers the added height to perform flips and tricks safely in their own backyard. The most common injuries from trampoline involve landing on the head or neck while jumping, not by falling off the trampoline. In this free video series on beginner trampoline tricks, gymnast and circus performer Paul Anderson teaches the basics of trampoline performance. Anderson starts with trampoline safety and how to choose a good trampoline for the backyard. He also encourages professional training in a gym. Moving on to the moves every trampoline performer must know, Anderson introduces the various drops: two kinds of back drops, front drops, upper-body drops and more. Anderson also encourages new jumpers to practice each drop despite the seeming simplicity, arguing that safety and precision performances come from thousands of repetitions.

Video Transcript

"In this clip, we're going to talk about trampolines. Well, if you're going to jump on the trampoline, you need to have a trampoline. Backyard trampoline is always great fun. If you're going to get a trampoline, a circular trampoline, is not necessarily a good idea. This is a large rectangular trampoline, and that's what I would recommend. There are two basic sizes for large, rectangular trampolines, a 6x12 and a 7x14. This is a 7x14, and the 7x14 is the size they use in the Olympics. I would highly recommend getting a rectangular trampoline. Although if you have no choice, a round trampoline will do in a pinch. The singular problem with a round trampoline, is if you're jumping in the center, every move you bounce, you're bouncing in the direction of the edge, and it's hard to feel safe in this circular trampoline. Although with a rectangular trampoline, as you move forward or backwards, you have a lot of room to spare, and it feels much more comfortable. If you don't understand what I'm doing, try and do a back flip, sideways on this trampoline. It will be much scarier, so get yourself a rectangular trampoline."