First Steps 1 - Equipment

A trampoline consists of a woven nylon mesh "bed", length 4.26m, width 2.13m, suspended from a metal frame by strong steel springs.

Frames are designed to be strong and collapsable. Usually they have detachable wheels to allow the trampoline to be removed and returned to storage.

Beds are made from a weave of nylon strips. As the trampoline moves up and down it has to overcome air resistance, rather like a parachute uses air resistance to slow down descent. Less material in the weave of the bed will reduce the air resistance and allow the bed to move more quickly making it more springy. You may come across half inch beds (typically in schools), 6mm x 6mm and 6mm x 4mm (typically competition standard) beds. The sizes refer to the width of the nylon strips so the 6 x 4 bed is much quicker, and hence more springy, than the half inch bed. Beds are normally marked with a red cross in the centre and an inner rectangle defining the bounce area (it's a good idea to keep within this).

Springs are arrangd about every 100mm around the perimeter of the bed and they connect the bed to the frame. No surprisingly, it is the springs that give trampolines their bounce.

The final components of the trampoline are the coverall pads or spring mats which cover the springs and the edge of the frame to protect the trampolinist from injury.

Tampolines are usually fitted with detachable "end decks" these are frames which attach to the ends of the trampoline and support thick foam mats. The end decks provide a relatively safe landing zone for any trampolinist who is unfortunate enough to come off the end of the trampoline.

Floor mats are used around the perimeter of the trampoline to help prevent injury should anyone fall from the trampoline.

Throw-in mats are used during training to push under the descending trampolinist to reduce their bounce and soften the impact should a move go wrong.

A "rig" is the general term for a harness connected to a rope and pully system. The trampolinist wears the harness around the waist while a qualified coach uses the rope to control the descent of the performer. This is a valuable training aid to build confidence when complicated moves are first taught. There are two types of harness, a flat harness for non-twisting somersaults and twisting harness that has a rotating outer band and swiveling connections for twisting somersaults. The action of controlling the rig looks very much like bell ringing.

Next, what the well dressed trampoinist wears..."