If you've spent months perfecting your backflips and front tucks, it's probably time to start tackling some serious trampoline tricks for advanced jumpers that will actually challenge your spatial awareness and core strength. Let's be real—the standard flips are great for showing off at a backyard BBQ, but once you've got those dialed in, you're probably itching for that rush of adrenaline that only comes from being slightly terrified of a new rotation.
Taking your skills to the next level isn't just about hucking your body into the air and hoping for the best. It's about precision, timing, and knowing exactly where you are in the air. If you're ready to move past the basics, here's a look at some high-level moves that will keep you busy for a long time.
Mastering the Art of the Double Backflip
The double backflip is usually the first "big" milestone when people look for trampoline tricks for advanced athletes. It's the move that separates the casual jumpers from the serious ones. The jump itself is as much a mental game as it is a physical one.
To nail a double, you need a massive "set." That means jumping high, but instead of throwing your head back immediately, you drive your hips up and keep your eyes forward for a split second longer than usual. The tighter you tuck, the faster you spin. If you've ever seen a figure skater pull their arms in to spin faster, it's the exact same physics here. Grab your shins and pull them into your chest like your life depends on it.
The most common mistake? Coming out of the tuck too early. You have to trust your internal clock. If you open up too soon, you'll likely land on your back or, worse, your neck. If you have access to a foam pit or a "progression mat," use it. There's no shame in practicing on something soft until the double rotation feels like second nature.
The Magic of Twisting: Fulls and Double Fulls
Once you can flip comfortably, adding a twist changes the entire dynamic. A "Full" is a backflip with a 360-degree twist included. It looks incredibly smooth when done right, but it can be a total brain-scrambler at first.
Understanding the Wrap
To pull off a Full, you don't just "spin." You have to use a "wrap" technique. As you leave the trampoline, you'll throw your arms across your chest in the direction you want to spin. The tighter you wrap, the more speed you get. It's important to remember that the flip and the twist happen simultaneously.
Stepping Up to the Double Full
If a Full feels easy, the Double Full (720 degrees of twisting in one flip) is the next logical step. This is where things get really fast. You'll need a lot of height and an incredibly aggressive arm wrap. Most people find that they need to "set" the flip even higher for a Double Full to ensure they don't lose their axis and go flying off the side of the trampoline.
Getting Creative with Off-Axis Moves
If you watch professional freestyle skiers or snowboarders, you'll see them doing moves that aren't quite a sideflip and aren't quite a backflip. These are off-axis rotations, and they're some of the most stylish trampoline tricks for advanced jumpers to learn.
The Cork 720
A "Cork" is basically a backflip with a twist, but you're leaning to the side so your feet swing out horizontally. It feels a lot more like a "spin" than a "flip." The trick to a good cork is the takeoff. You want to swing your non-kicking leg up and across your body to initiate that off-axis momentum. It feels weird at first, almost like you're falling sideways, but once you catch the rhythm, it's one of the most satisfying tricks in the book.
Misty Flips and Bio-Sides
A Misty Flip is more of a front-flip-based off-axis move. You're essentially doing a front flip while adding a 180 or 540-degree twist. It looks technical because it is. You have to lead with your shoulder and look over your back to find the landing. These moves require a lot of core tension so you don't just "ragdoll" in mid-air.
Flipping from Different Positions: The Cody
Most people think flips only happen from your feet, but advanced jumpers know that the trampoline bed is a launchpad for all sorts of positions. The Cody is a classic advanced move where you perform a backflip starting from a "stomach drop" (Prone) position.
To do a Cody, you drop onto your stomach, but as you hit the mat, you push off hard with your hands and use the rebound to throw your hips over your head into a backflip. It requires a surprising amount of upper body strength and perfect timing. If you push too late, you'll just fly forward. If you push too early, you won't get any height. It's all about using the trampoline's energy as it pushes back up.
Linking Tricks into Combinations
The real mark of an advanced jumper isn't just doing one big trick—it's the ability to link them together without losing momentum. This is what people in the community call "flow."
Imagine doing a Kaboom (a flip off your back) straight into a Double Backflip, and then immediately landing into a Full. To do this, you can't just land "flat." You have to land with your knees slightly bent and your weight centered so you can immediately "pop" back into the next move.
- Tip: Practice "half" moves to bridge the gap. For example, do a backdrop into a half-twist to get used to the transition before trying a full flip out of it.
- Focus: Keep your eyes on a "spot" on the trampoline or a tree in the distance to help maintain your orientation between tricks.
Safety and the "Mental Game"
I know, talking about safety is the "boring" part, but when you're working on trampoline tricks for advanced levels, the stakes are way higher. A mistake on a basic jump might result in a bruised ego; a mistake on a double full can lead to a hospital visit.
Always have a "spotter" if possible. Even if they aren't physically catching you, having someone there to yell "Open!" when you've completed your rotations can be a lifesaver. Also, never try a new advanced trick when you're tired. Fatigue leads to lazy form, and lazy form is how accidents happen. If your legs feel like jelly, save the big moves for tomorrow.
Another thing to consider is your gear. If you're doing these kinds of moves on a budget backyard trampoline with loose springs, you're asking for trouble. High-level tricks need a high-level bounce. Make sure your mat is tight, your springs are in good shape, and your safety net is actually secure.
The Importance of Consistency
At the end of the day, being an advanced jumper is about consistency. Can you do that Double Full ten times in a row without breaking a sweat? If the answer is no, you're still learning it. Don't rush into the next big thing just because you saw it on Instagram. Take the time to master the "set" and the "landing" of every move.
The best jumpers look like they aren't even trying. They have this effortless grace because they've done the move a thousand times. So, get out there, stay safe, and keep pushing those limits—just make sure you're doing it with a bit of common sense tucked into your back pocket. Happy jumping!