The gymnastic bridge: purpose, types, design features

The gymnastic bridge (trampoline) is necessary for sports gymnastics. This device is used during training and during competitions. It is necessarily present in sports halls of educational institutions.

Gymnastic bridge

For some disciplines, this shell is only important as an auxiliary device. In other cases, it is part of the main program and without it athletes are impossible to perform. What are these disciplines?

The gymnastic bridge (photo below) is a sports equipment for lessons related to jumping. The springboard, the bridge is the name of the same device. The device increases the strength of the push of the athlete and allows him to overcome a greater distance in the air, than he could do it, jumping from a solid surface. The construction of the device has varieties, but the basis of its work is the principle of the spring. The greater the impact on the lever, the stronger the return.

Functions

For exercises on uneven bars, crossbar, beam or horse, the gymnastic bridge plays an auxiliary role. With his help, the athletes climb the main projectile and begin the performance. The bridge is then removed to the side so that it does not interfere. At the same time, with reference jumps, it means much more, since it is used in close conjunction with the main projectile. Without it, it is impossible to make any meaningful jump.

The sloped working surface of the board has the property of springing. The athlete makes a run and jumps on the bridge. Under the weight of the body, the design bends, the board, straightening, throws the athlete up. Having a linear acceleration, it rushes forward and upward along the arc, is grouped together and, placing its fingers on the shell, lands on its feet, having previously performed one or several pirouettes in the air.

Varieties

The footbridge is usually found in two types. They are similar in principle to the action, but they have structural features. The most common wooden bridges with a curved flexible plate, which acts as a spring. Another option - a metal frame as a base, jogging platform of natural or synthetic materials and steel springs between them.

They produce jumping gymnastic jumps of two standard sizes: for children and adults. In turn, they have a division: for training in educational institutions or for amateur use and for professional sports.

The length of the base of the adult models is usually 120-125 cm with a width of 50-60 cm. The jogging board (pad) has a size of 135x50 cm. The lifting height (angle of inclination) can be 10-30 cm and depends on the type of spring mechanism. This regulates the rigidity of the structure, on which the degree of rebound will depend. Children's models have smaller dimensions (100x50x20), they are optimally designed for body weight up to 30 kg.

Features

The gymnastic bridge is installed on a firm, level surface in a hall or on an open area. For stability from the bottom of the base, it must necessarily have rubber pads that reduce the likelihood of slipping. They must be securely and safely secured.

Between the jogging surface and the frame of the base, a spring mechanism is installed. It can be a spiral of hardened steel. Usually set two rows of such springs in the corners, but one more is possible - to increase the dynamic acceleration. In another embodiment, the jogging force provides a plate-like wedge mounted diagonally.

It, as well as springs, can be fixed rigidly or it is possible to adjust the position to change the degree of jumping of the structure. The jogging surface is additionally covered with a carpet covering to increase comfort at shocks. Individual models have markings for a more accurate hit in the desired area of the board.

Recently, companies engaged in the production of sports equipment and inventory, are looking for opportunities to improve the design of gymnastics bridges. Specialists are limited to the standards and requirements of the International Federation of Artistic Gymnastics, but they are trying to experiment (springless designs). Their goal is to make gymnastic bridges more reliable, safe, wear-resistant, low-noise, and most importantly, that they provide the maximum return energy rebound.

Material

Since this inventory is used in professional sports and in educational institutions, such a product line always has high requirements for material safety and specific use. The bridge is often made of multi-ply plywood (15 mm).

Solid wood of birch, cedar, ash is used. In new developments for jogging surfaces, synthetic materials (combined carbon fiber, bakelite) are used. Above often for more comfortable conditions of use, a cushioning pad (carpet, rippled rubber) is installed, which simultaneously provides good grip and anti-skid.

The frame can be made of wood or lightweight metal structures. Between it and the jogging platform, sheet or wire cylindrical springs of hardened chrome steel are installed. They are securely fastened with bolts and nuts to the secret holes, so that there are no protruding elements.