Trampolining an exhilarating and dynamic sport, has captivated audiences and athletes alike with its combination of acrobatics, precision, and athleticism. From recreational backyard fun to highly competitive Olympic events, trampolining offers a unique blend of physical fitness, entertainment, and artistic expression. Here is a closer look into the history, development, techniques, and cultural impact of trampolining, highlight why it remains a beloved sport worldwide.
A sport with mysterious beginnings
Trampolining traces its origins to the Inuit people, who used walrus skins to toss one another into the air in celebration. Throughout the first half of the 1900s, there were many anecdotal tales regarding the development of trampolining. For example, according to circus folklore, an artist named du Trampolin saw the possibility of using the trapeze safety net as a form of propulsion and landing device and experimented with the idea. However, there is no documented proof of this story being true.
The modern trampoline was invented in the 1930s by George Nissen, a gymnast and diver, and Larry Griswold, an entertainer and gymnast. Inspired by circus acrobats who used safety nets to bounce and perform tricks, they created a similar apparatus for training purposes. The invention quickly gained popularity, leading to trampolining becoming a recognized sport.
The state of trampolining stateside
The first national championships in the United States was held in the late 1940s, marking the sport’s formal recognition, followed by official adoption by the NCAA and AAU in 1947. By the 1960s, trampolining had spread globally, with international competitions and standardized rules.
The United States Trampolining and Tumbling Association (U.S.T.A.) was founded in 1971 by Nissen and Griswold. According to the organization’s website, it started with just about 200 members and only offered one form of competition, in comparison to today, where it is divided into nine divisions for tumbling and six divisions for the double-mini and the trampoline. With more than 6,000 members strong, the U.S.T.A. is not only an important organization in the world of trampolining, but also regularly gives out scholarships.
To show the amount of growth the U.S.T.A. has had, the first nationals in the U.S. featured 250 competitors. This year, the U.S.T.A. held the 2024 National Championships in Louisville, Ky., at Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center from June 17–22. The event featured 130 teams from across the country, represented by 2,300 athletes competing in nearly 5,400 events. Competitors ranged in age from two to 33 years old.
The national governing body of trampolining is USA Gymnastics. American athletes had an impressive performance at the Pan American Championships and Club Pan American Cup in Peru this past May, bringing home a total of 14 medals. Ava DeHanes (Holmdel, N.J.) and Leah Edelman (Holmdel, N.J.) captured the gold in the women’s 17-21 synchronized trampoline, while Alexandra Mytnik (Manalapan, N.J.) brought home the gold in the junior individual trampoline competition. Meanwhile, Cody Gesuelli (Middletown, N.J.) and Paul Bretscher (Knoxville, Tenn.) won first place in the senior men’s synchro, and the women’s team of DeHanes, Edelman, and Logan McCoy (Highlands, N.J.) also captured gold. Lastly, Grace Danley (Millstone, N.J.) and Annabella Ursu (Holmdel, N.J.) were the gold medal winners in the junior women’s synchro division.
Internationally, in 1964, the first World Championships took place at Royal Albert Hall in London, England, with Americans Dan Millman and Judy Willis winning the gold.
The inclusion of trampolining in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, marked a significant milestone, solidifying its status as a competitive sport on the world stage.
Techniques and training
Trampolining requires a high level of skill, strength, and coordination. Athletes perform a series of acrobatic maneuvers, including flips, twists, and somersaults, while maintaining control and achieving maximum height. The complexity and execution of these maneuvers are judged based on difficulty, form, and time of flight.
The following is a list of basic techniques in the sport:
Straight jump
The foundation of trampolining involves a high, controlled jump with the body held straight.
Tuck jump
A jump where the knees are pulled to the chest and the body is held in a tucked position.
Pike jump
The legs are kept straight and lifted towards the chest while the body folds at the waist.
Front and back somersaults
Complete rotations in the air, performed either forwards or backwards.
Twists
Rotations around the vertical axis, combined with somersaults to create complex aerial maneuvers.
Some of the more advanced skills in trampolining include:
Double and triple somersaults
Multiple rotations in a single jump, requiring precise timing and control.
Barani
A front somersault with a half twist, named after Italian gymnast Alfonso Barani.
Rudolph
A somersault with one and a half twists, showcasing advanced twisting techniques.
Triffis and quadriffs
Complex combinations involving multiple somersaults and twists, performed in rapid succession.
Training for trampolining is rigorous and multifaceted, taking physical conditioning, technique refinement, and mental preparation all into consideration. Athletes engage in strength training, flexibility exercises, and cardiovascular workouts to build the necessary physical foundation. Repetition and practice are crucial for mastering techniques and developing muscle memory. Additionally, mental focus and visualization play significant roles in executing complex routines under the pressure of competition.
Keep it safe
While trampolining is a thrilling sport, it also carries inherent risks. Injuries can occur due to falls, improper landings, or collisions. There are several measures taken to protect athletes, including padding and mats, which help cushion falls and reduce the risk of injury; trained spotters who catch athletes when they lose control; and harnessing and rigging systems, which are generally used by those learning new skills. Ensuring equipment is in good condition and meets safety standards is also essential. Athletes can also protect themselves with proper warm-up and conditioning and learn basic skills before attempting more complex maneuvers.
Trampolining competitions are structured to test the athlete’s skill, control, and artistic expression. Events are typically divided into individual and synchronized categories, with competitors performing set routines that are evaluated. Judges use a 10-point scale to evaluate each element of a routine, deducting points for errors such as poor form, lack of control, or incomplete rotations. The highest and lowest scores are typically discarded, and the remaining scores are averaged to determine the final score.
Performing acrobatics on trampolines is best left to professionals or under the supervision of one. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 800,000 children suffered trampoline injuries between 2009 and 2018, most of whom were under the age of 16. One-third of those injuries were long bone fractures in the upper and lower extremities. Additionally, the IU School of Medicine estimated that emergency room visits for trampoline accidents cost more than $1 billion between 2002 and 2011.
The future
Since joining the Summer Olympics in 2000, the number of competitions—men’s and women’s—has remained unchanged. The People’s Republic of China has won
14 of the 36 medals handed out in the past 25 years, while Canadian Rosie MacLennan is the only athlete to have successfully defended an Olympic trampoline title, winning the gold medal in the 2012 and 2016 Games.
Trampolining has transcended its rudimentary origins to become a widely enjoyed recreational activity and a respected competitive sport. Its inclusion in the Olympic Games has elevated its profile, inspiring a new generation of athletes. Recreational trampolining parks have also surged in popularity, offering a fun and accessible way for people of all ages to experience the joy of bouncing and acrobatics.
