Online Trampoline Coach

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I get a few questions every week from members asking how to do a somersault, and they mention that they can do handsprings on the trampoline, or they have been practicing handsprings on the trampoline.

Handsprings are not a trampoline move, and they do not help in somersaulting on the trampoline.

The handspring is a GYMNASTIC move and as so many Gymnastic coaches also teach the trampoline, many people are taught the trampoline in a similar way to gymnastic coaching.

However, most gymnastic moves use speed and travel across the floor, neither of which are required for the trampoline. In fact, obvious injury would occur if these same techniques were used on a trampoline.

My first trampoline coach was a gymnastic coach. Everything I learned from the age of 15 to 18 years had to be undone and re-taught. As I got on to more sophisticated moves, the flaws  in my basic coaching started to show. Under a new coach, I had to start from scratch all over again. Considering I had attended a few competitions, it was difficult to go to gym and practice bouncing, tuck jumps and swivel hips for 6 months so I could totally forget the more advanced moves and re-learn them. This personal experience taught me that the trampoline moves need to be taught very differently to gymnastic coaching, and is where I got my own coaching style.

When I began coaching in 1989, I taught my students how the trampoline works, and never did moves that required knee or hand landings, as there are no trampoline moves that require a hand or knee landing. The only exception to this rule is the barani layout. As this was one of my own ‘problem moves’, I also had trouble teaching it effectively. So I do now teach this with a knee and hand landing as a progressive step.

So gymnasts - drop everything you have learned before stepping on a trampoline, and keep the handsprings and round-offs for the gymnastic floor.

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It was a busy February to say the least. Moving house is just so stressful. Finally, I am sitting down overlooking a garden. A real garden!

And where is my trampoline?

The beautiful 17 x 10 foot Olympic size trampoline I had ordered was stuck 4,000klms away in Perth, and endless calls to freight companies had resulted in some very unrealistic quotes in the region of $600-$1000 for delivery.

Depressed, I started looking for a more local trampoline company. It took some serious googling… and I found what I was looking for on good ‘ole ebay.

Professional Trampoline

Not only do they make superb, professional trampolines, they are also made in Australia (no cheap asian alternative) and they arrange delivery at pre-determined prices.

Customer service is top notch. I discover a husband and wife team that obviously ‘lurve’ their products and the delivery was 3 days EARLIER than expected.

Although I had to go for a slightly smaller trampoline that my original Perth choice, my new 16.5 x 9.2 foot trampoline was erected in just under an hour (it has over 100 springs to attach!).

And then…. it started to rain.

And rain.

And rain.

Living in a tropical region of Australia, I have come to live with the fact that a monsoonal trough once a year is punishment for the other 11 months of perfect weather! I just wish i could have showed off my new purchase first.

Currently half the local rivers have flooded over, and it’s likely I will not be able to make it to work tomorrow after warnings of flash flooding expected overnight!

So I shall be sitting at home watching my new trampoline, slowly sinking into the mud which was once my beautiful garden.

GOOD NEWS: rain is expected to ease in 4 days time! So expect some pictures and videos, followed by demonstrations and trampoline tips.

www.topline-trampolines.com

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I have at last placed an order for a new trampoline, and expect delivery in next few weeks.  I chose a professional one, and have to admit that I don’t get on very well with the standard ‘backyard trampoline’.

The springs are often in need of replacing (because I am heavy) and they are considerable hard work to get any height.  Don’t get me wrong, if you have a backyard trampoline, you should still be able to do all the trampoline tricks you like, and they are very good for weight loss too.  I am just used to the professional Gym version and It’s hard to adjust after 18 years.

The price difference is huge, however, I was able to find a full size (17′ x 10′ frame) trampoline for $2,300 Australian dollars.  This is equivalent to approximately $2,500 US dollars or $1,000 pounds.  While that amount seems a lot of money to most, I consider the investment like this:-

It will be used by 3 in my family (me and 2 children)  =  $766 each

Due to the excellent quality, it will last at least 10 years without need to change a single spring. = $76.60 per person per year.

It will replace the need to buy any exercise equipment on those shopping channels = saving me $hundreds

It will entertain my children for hours and hours  =  priceless

It will help me lose weight = saving me gym membership / personal trainers - forever!

It will give me excellent health = priceless

It will diminish lines on my face and make me look younger! = saves cosmetic surgery / botox!

It will allow me to increase the online-trampoline-coach.com site. with pictures and videos. And I can produce on-the-minute instructional videos and post to membership area = making me very happy!

So, I can justify such a big spend to myself, I just hope my credit card company is reading this too!

When it arrives, I shall be posting regularly to show you the best way to set up your own trampoline. And then I shall be starting my weight loss series of videos. As well as several workshops for the members area, starting with Swivel hips and Back drops.

I am still receiving several requests (mainly for somersault help), so here is a link for the best advice I can think of for FRONT SOMERSAULTS.

How to Front Somersault

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