For aspiring gymnasts or daredevil trampoliners, trampoline choice is important. The choice of trampoline can impact performance, safety and skill development. If you have aspiring athletes stay clear of circular trampolines, square trampolines or oval trampolines… a rectangular trampoline is your best bet.
This article looks at rectangular trampolines in detail, concentrating on shape, bounce and specific features that make them best suited to adventurous kids and aspiring athletes.
How Does the Rectangular Shape Enhance Performance for Gymnastic Training Compared to Other Trampoline Shapes?
In the trampoline world, the rectangular trampoline is a favourite for gymnasts, trampoliners and athletes.
The shape of a rectangular trampoline encourages even bounce across the whole jumping area (unlike circular trampolines). This consistency is really important for gymnasts and athletes who need exact control over their jumping and landing. The rectangular shape also offers a larger usable area, which gives bouncers more space to safely attempt movements such as flips and somersaults.
If your kids are keen gymnasts, a rectangular type of trampoline is great as it most closely resembles professional gymnastics.
Giving them a chance to practise on a rectangle trampoline will help them perfect their spatial awareness and technical skills in an (almost) real-world setting. This helps them lay a solid foundation for their long-term gymnastic career!
What Specific Features of Rectangle Trampolines Make Them Suitable for Athletic and Gymnastic Routines?
Several features set apart rectangular trampolines as the best option for aspiring athletes and gymnasts:
- Frame Strength and High Quality Materials: Rectangle trampolines are typically designed with a stronger frame to support the uniform bounce and the higher weight limit required by athletes. The high quality construction ensures durability and stability, which are crucial for executing gymnastic tricks and moves safely.
- Jumping Surface and Bounce Quality: The jumping mat of a rectangle trampoline is engineered for excellence, providing a responsive and predictable bounce. This predictability is essential for athletes who want to perform complex moves with confidence. The bounce quality gives users more control over their height and landing, which is essential for gymnasts and athletes alike.
- Safety Features: Advanced safety features, including a robust safety net, are essential for protecting gymnasts and athletes during practice. Rectangle trampolines will usually come with safety nets and padding that covers the springs and frame, minimising the risk of injuries, falls or missteps.
- Weight Limit and Surface Area: Rectangle trampolines generally offer a higher weight limit and a larger surface area than circular options. This area and capacity enables multiple users to train at once, so they can practise synchronised routines or spot each other for safety.
How Do the Bounce Dynamics of Rectangle Trampolines Differ from Circular Ones, and Why Does This Matter for Athletes?
The bounce dynamics of rectangle trampolines are very different to circular models. These points of difference are great news for gymnasts and athletes.
Circular trampolines generate a bounce that pulls the jumper towards the centre. This can have a negative impact when gymnasts and athletes are attempting precise movements and techniques. The pull toward the middle is not ideal for athletes who need to practise specific skills in various areas across the trampoline surface.
On the other hand, rectangle trampolines offer a more uniform bounce across the entire surface, allowing athletes to jump and land consistently, anywhere on the mat. This even bounce is really helpful for athletes/gymnasts who want to practise precise landings and takeoffs, getting themselves ready for competitive gymnastics.
And, even better news, the bounce quality of a rectangle trampoline can actually be adjusted to match the skill levels of users, whether they are young children or experienced athletes. This adjustability means every user can experience a bounce that is in line with their skill level and progression.
This makes rectangular trampolines an adaptable tool for gymnasts and aspiring athletes of all ages and abilities.
Conclusion
Choosing a trampoline for budding gymnasts and aspiring athletes is an important decision.
Rectangle trampolines offer unique advantages that are especially helpful for gymnasts and athletes. Their shape, bounce and safety features, such as frame strength, high quality materials, safety net, and weight limit, make them a great choice for kids looking to take their bouncing to the next level.
Whether you have younger children who are just starting, or experienced athletes honing their skills, a rectangular trampoline is a safe and supportive space for them to perfect their practice.
If you’re thinking about buying a rectangular trampoline, for example a 10ft model, it's essential to consider the intended use, the users’ age/weight and the available space in your garden. Always choose a trampoline that suits your needs and fits in your garden with at least 2m of clearance around every edge.
