How to Teach Your Kids Safe Trampoline Tricks
Author: Jump Star Trampolines Date Posted:22 October 2024


Trampolines are a fantastic way for kids to stay active and have fun. They offer endless opportunities for bouncing, flipping, and learning new tricks. However, safety is crucial. Teaching your kids how to perform trampoline tricks safely can prevent injuries and ensure everyone enjoys their time bouncing.
Before starting any tricks, it’s important to establish some basic safety rules. Make sure your kids understand the importance of these rules to keep everyone safe. Setting guidelines helps them be aware of their actions and the possible risks of not following the rules. This simple step can go a long way in ensuring a safe trampoline experience.
Starting with simple tricks is the best way to get your kids used to the trampoline. These tricks build their confidence and help them learn how to control their movements. As they become more skilled and comfortable, you can gradually introduce them to intermediate and advanced tricks, ensuring they understand how to perform each one safely.
By following a structured approach, you can guide your kids in mastering trampoline tricks while prioritising safety. This guide will take you through all the steps, from basic rules to advanced tricks, helping your children enjoy their trampoline time to the fullest.
Establishing Basic Safety Rules
Before your kids start learning any tricks, it's crucial to establish some basic safety rules. Understanding these rules helps prevent accidents and ensures that trampoline time remains fun and secure for everyone.
1. One at a Time: Always enforce the rule that only one person can jump on the trampoline at a time. This reduces the risk of collisions, which can cause injuries.
2. Proper Attire: Make sure your kids wear the right clothes. Loose clothing or jewellery can get caught in the trampoline’s springs or other parts, so it's best to wear snug-fitting clothes and remove any loose items.
3. Stay in the Centre: Encourage your kids to jump in the centre of the mat where it is safest. Jumping near the edges can lead to falls and injuries.
4. No Flips Until Ready: Explain that flips and somersaults should only be attempted when they are comfortable and experienced enough. Even then, these should be done under supervision to ensure they are performed safely.
5. Safety Enclosures: Ensure the safety net is up and properly secured before jumping. This prevents fall-offs, which are a common source of trampoline injuries.
By establishing these rules from the start, you help create a safe environment where your kids can enjoy learning new tricks without unnecessary risks.
Starting with Simple Tricks
Once basic safety rules are understood and followed, your kids can start learning some simple tricks. These tricks are great for beginners and help them gain confidence on the trampoline.
1. Basic Bounce: The basic bounce is the foundation of all trampoline tricks. Have your kids practice jumping up and down in the same spot, focusing on controlled movements and sticking their landings firmly in the centre of the mat.
2. Tuck Jump: The tuck jump is a fun and easy trick to learn. Start by having your kids jump and then pull their knees up to their chest, wrapping their arms around their knees before extending back out for landing.
3. Pike Jump: Instruct your kids to start with a high bounce. As they go up, they should keep their legs straight and try to touch their toes with their hands. This helps with coordination and control.
4. Seat Drop: Teach your kids to jump up and then land in a seated position with their legs straight out in front. They should use their hands for balance and then bounce back up to a standing position. This trick is great for learning balance and timing.
5. Knee Drop: For the knee drop, kids should jump up and land on their knees before bouncing back up to a standing position. This trick helps them get used to more varied movements and landings.
By starting with these simple tricks, kids can build the necessary skills and confidence required to progress to more advanced tricks. Practice and patience ensure they master these moves safely, making their trampoline experience more enjoyable.
Teaching Intermediate Tricks
As your kids become more confident with simple tricks, they can begin learning intermediate ones. These tricks require more skill and control but are still safe for children who have mastered the basics.
1. Front Drop: The front drop involves jumping up and landing on the stomach, then bouncing back to the feet. Kids should start by practicing the technique on a soft surface like a mattress before attempting it on the trampoline. Emphasise the importance of keeping their body relaxed and landing with their arms forward to absorb the impact.
2. Swivel Hips: This trick combines a seat drop and a 180-degree turn. Your child should start by doing a seat drop, then use their arms and upper body to rotate and land in another seat drop facing the opposite direction. This move helps with body control and spatial awareness.
3. Half Twist: The half twist is a jump that includes a 180-degree turn in mid-air. Teach your kids to jump upward and turn their shoulders and hips to face the opposite way before landing. This trick is essential groundwork for more complex twists and flips.
4. Back Drop: For the back drop, kids jump up and land on their back before bouncing back to their feet. Like the front drop, they should practice on a soft surface first. Ensure they keep their chin tucked to their chest to avoid hitting their heads.
5. Cradle: The cradle combines several moves, starting with a front drop, bouncing to a back drop, and then returning to the feet. This trick helps kids practice transitioning between different positions quickly and safely.
Practicing Advanced Tricks Safely
Once your kids have mastered intermediate tricks, they might be ready to try more advanced moves. These tricks require even greater skill and should always be practiced under close supervision.
1. Front Flip: The front flip is an exciting yet challenging trick. Start by practicing on a soft surface. Your child should jump high, tuck their knees to their chest, and flip forward. Ensure they know how to land safely with their knees slightly bent to absorb the impact.
2. Back Flip: A back flip requires significant practice and confidence. Begin with a high jump, lean the head back slightly, and tuck the knees to the chest to initiate the flip. Always supervise closely and consider using a spotter or harness for practice.
3. Barani: This trick is a front flip combined with a half twist. It begins with the same movement as a front flip, but midway through, the child must perform a 180-degree turn. Proper training and spotting are essential for this advanced move.
4. Seat Drop to Front Flip: This trick starts with a seat drop, followed by a quick transition into a front flip. This sequence teaches kids how to combine different elements smoothly and safely.
5. Double Bounce: The double bounce involves coordinating with another jumper to get extra height. Although it’s more advanced, it's crucial to always try this under strict supervision to prevent collisions.
Final Thoughts
Teaching your kids safe trampoline tricks is a rewarding experience that keeps them active and engaged. By starting with basic safety rules and progressing through simple, intermediate, and advanced tricks, they can enjoy their trampoline time without risking injury.
Remember, supervision is key at every stage. Always ensure your kids are comfortable with one level before moving on to the next. A safe trampoline environment is fun and exciting, offering endless opportunities for skill development and enjoyment.
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