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What is Trampoline and Tumbling?

POWER TUMBLING

Power tumbling is performed on elevated spring runways that help tumblers propel themselves higher than a basketball goal as they demonstrate speed, strength and skill while executing a series of acrobatic maneuvers. Top-level contenders will perform explosive somersaults with multiple flips and twists.

TRAMPOLINE

Although even in the early years of trampolining, notable American and international athletes performed many of the difficult skills and combinations of skills that are seen today, modern trampoline competitions are quite different those of the early developmental years -- due in part to advances in equipment design, changes in the rules and governance, and more systematic training of the athletes. International competition trampolines are larger and more powerful than those utilized in the early years and a far cry from the "backyard" models that are found today in most American suburban neighborhoods. These modern trampolines can propel trained athletes as high as 30 feet in the air during performances!

DOUBLE MINI-TRAMPOLINE

Double mini is a relatively new sport that combines the horizontal run of tumbling with the vertical rebound of trampoline. After a short run, the athlete jumps onto a small two-level trampoline to perform a rebounding trick immediately followed by a dismount element onto a anding mat.

Trampoline and Tumbling History

Trampoline and tumbling can be traced to archaeological drawings in ancient China, Egypt and Persia. Over the years, a number of methods have been devised to allow man to gain time in the air and perform a variety of skills. The trampoline is one of these methods. Trampoline was not actually a competitive event until after its invention by an American, George Nissen, as a portable unit in 1936. From 1947 through 1964, trampolining was included as an event in gymnastics competitions by both the AAU and NCAA.

The first trampoline World Championships were held in 1964, and trampoline was first recognized as a sport in its own right in the United States in 1967. Trampoline made its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Power tumbling, first performed on simple mats, has had US National Championships dating back to 1886. A number of different surfaces have been used for power tumbling, including mats, ski floors, spring floors and today's fiber-glass rod floors, invented by Randy Mulkey.

Double mini competition was added in 1978. The first double mini began as two individual mini-trampolines, separated by a small table covered by a mat. Later, a one-piece unit was developed by Bob Bollinger. This unit is still used today as the official equipment for the event.

Our Team Programs

What is Recreation Team?

Recreation Team meets once or twice per week for 90 minutes.  Athletes range from level 3 to level 6 in ability.  This program was developed for athletes who want to train the Junior Olympic Programming but may not be ready to compete yet either by the athlete's decision or the coach's discretion.  Athletes in this program are not expected to participate in Sanctioned Competitions.  Trampoline shoes and practice leotard are required.

What is Competiton Team?

Level 4/5 Team members meet three times per week to train for 6 hours each week.

Level 6/7 Team members meet three times per week to train for 6 hours each week.

Level 8/9 Team members meet 4 - 5 times per week to train for 10 - 12 hours each week.

These levels are required to attend all Sanctioned Competitions on our Team schedule for the year.  Their are usually 6 to 8 Competitions each year including a State, Regional and National Championship.  Families must join the TNT Boosters Organization.

Trampoline shoes, practice leotard, competition leotard and warm-up jacket and pants are required.