Push in mats are used to aid the teaching of new skills and to reduce any injury that may occur during the learning process. The mats are small enough to be held balanced on the side of the trampoline, and rigid enough not to fold or flop whilst being held. They are soft enough to absorb some of the power of the performer so that an incorrect landing is less likely to result in a high rebound, and to soften the effects of a bad landing.
Using Push in mats in a variety of ways ensures the safety of your pupil and gives them confidence whilst learning something which is new and unfamiliar.
The push in mat is an excellent teaching aid which may be used statically, or pushed in from the sides of the trampoline. Coaches should take care and know their pupils limits and abilities when considering the use of push in mats.
Using mats statically for learning new skills……
STATIC – The mat is placed in the centre of the bed and used for teaching first attempts at body landings which can be very uncomfortable if performed incorrectly. Adequate handling and coach support should be provided where necessary throughout. Using the mat in this manner gives the coach peace of mind and your pupils the confidence to attempt new skills. Pupils should continue to use the static mat until they can demonstrate the skill with technical correctness, consistency & confidence. Some pupils may be able to perform the skill perfectly, but if confidence is lacking they should continue to use the mat until such a time they are happy to progress to the next stage of learning.
Pushed in from the side……
Once a pupil has mastered the initial learning of a new skill, the mat can be removed from the static position and pushed in from the sides. This again gives the pupils the confidence to progress the skill whilst maintaining safety. You may find that some pupils will jump towards the mat and others will not. It is caused by a fear that the mat will not be pushed in so the pupils goes to the mat instead. This is a problem as they may land on the frame pads, or the mat may hit the pupil as they land or the pupil may completely miss the side of the trampoline altogether! If you experience this you will need to build trust between the mat pusher and pupil so that you can progress safely. Mat pushers should be trained, knowledgeable and competent.
Pushing mats in from the side frame for learning and weaning off supports……
Push in mats are generally 2m x 1.5m and range from 10 – 20cm in depth and are used for teaching new skills from basic body landings to complex twisting, combination skills and somersaults. The idea of the push in mat is that they reduce the risks of injuries that could be sustained during the learning process. The best mats are light and easy to handle. Ideally, one person should be able to handle a push in mat. Remember that the size and thickness of the mat should be suitable for the skill being performed.
Large and/or heavy safety/crash mats will require two mat pushers as they tend to be more difficult to handle than the smaller spotter type mats. Mats usually have two handles sewn to the sides for ease of use so one person per handle will assist in the mat being pushed on to the bed in an even fashion. These larger mats are suitable for teaching somersaults and complex skills where serious injuries and whiplashes could occur. The thickness of the mat provides extra safety and reduces the severity of any injury that may occur through incorrect landings. One downside to having two mat pushers is co-ordination and timing, will both pupils push in at the same time and in the same direction, using the same amount of push?
The upside is that it can be good for training new mat pushers, if they are teamed up with an experienced mat pusher and paying attention to what’s happening.