Trampoline

SPORTS, July 2007, by Jenifer Merifield

TRAMPOLINE
acros trampoline


The Ajax Acros recreational level trampolinists meet up with Coach Shawn Durant on Tuesday evenings. These four athletes are between 11 and 14. Other groups of girls and guys go into their later teens as well.

Type of Sport and Commitment Level: Normally it's an indoor sport in a gymnasium, but personal backyard trampolines have become more and more popular. At the recreational level, girls and guys have a casual commitment level of only once or twice a week for 1.5 hour sessions.

Starting Age: Programs can start kids as early as four years old, but the programs seem to really spike in popularity with teens.

Physicaly Requirements: Cardio strength is important as a basic need, add a touch of bravery and you're good to go!

Equipment: Comfortable gym clothing or a body suite is ideal. The trampoline and mattineg is provided.

Average Costs: Depending on the club, prices and season length can vary. One season at Acros for instance is $129.00. Seasons can run anywhere from 10-14 weeks.

Jargon/Slang: Flip: It's not a technical term, but people tend to refer to anything upside down without hands as a flip. Set: a modified progression that coaches will ask to see perfected before moving on to a new skill. Spotters: people that assist the bouncer by acting as a perimeter. Throw-in: when learning a new skill you may ask for a mat to be thrown in to assist with the first couple of landings. In the box: the middle of the trampoline bed is squared off to keep the athlete focused. When competing, marks are lost if you move out of the box. Skill names: cat twist, swivel hips, cradle, donkey jump, roller, airplanes, back tuck, front tuck, cruise, porpoise.

Why other should consider trampoline?: It is SO MUCH FUN to bounce! Trampoline can be enjoyed at your own pace and skill level. Plus it's great exercise.

Trampoline Sheros: Karen Cockburn, Heather Ross-McManus and Rosannagh MacLennan. They are all Ontario trampolinists with International successes.

Levels: Recreational, Interclub, Provincial and National. Trampoline can be competed individually or synchro (two seperate trampolines where partners do matching routines). Recreational trampolinists can work through a 12-level system to gauge their progress.

What do parents think?: They like that trampoline is a very active, enjoyable experience for their kids. Some may be a little frightened at first but soon see that it is a very safe and controlled system taught by trained professionals. For girls, trampoline is great for physical and cardiovascular exercise and is a very fun sport.

~ Jenifer

Add Comment

(Please use a nickname or your first name only. To help other girls relate, let us know your age and what province/state or country you live in. Other identifying information like email address, address, web sites or phone numbers will NOT be accepted. Thanks for your comments (: COMMENTS WILL BE POSTED WITHIN 24HRS.)

*Name:
*Name:
*Email (your email will not be displayed):
*Comment:

*By clicking "submit", you acknowledge that you are 13 or older, or have received parental permission to send your information, according to our privacy policy.

Reproduction of any article or content herein, in whole or in part, without written permission is strictly prohibited.
© Girls Can Do Anything Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.