Power tumbling is performed on elevated runways, generally designed with fiberglass rods underneath, that help tumblers propel themselves higher than a basketball goal as they demonstrate speed, strength and skill whil executing a series of acrobatic maneuvers. Explosive somersaults with multiple flips and twists are performed by the top-level contenders.
Double mini-trampoline combines the horizontal run of tumbling with the vertical rebound of trampoline. After a short run, the athlete jumps onto a small two-level trampoline to perform a rebounding trick immediately followed by a dismount element onto a landing mat. Double mini-trampoline is similar in concept to springboard diving, using a mat instead of water.
As a sport, trampoline varies greatly from recreational bouncing. International competition trampolines are larger and more powerful than traditional “backyard” models, propelling trained athletes as high as 30 feet in the air during performances. During two competitive routines of 10 skills each, upper-level athletes can easily demonstrate a graceful array of double, triple and twisting somersaults.