The gymnastic bridge (diving board) is necessary for practicing gymnastics. This device is used during training and during competitions. It is necessarily present in the gyms of educational institutions.
Gymnastic bridge
For some disciplines, this shell matters only as an auxiliary device. In other cases, he acts as part of the main program, and without him, athletes cannot perform. What are these disciplines?
The gymnastic bridge (photo below) is a sports equipment for activities related to jumping. A springboard, an attached bridge - these are the names of the same device. The device increases the strength of the athlete's push and allows him to travel a greater distance in the air than he could do by jumping from a solid surface. The design of the device has varieties, but the principle of the spring is laid at the heart of its work. The greater the impact on the lever, the stronger the recoil.
Functions
For exercises on the uneven bars, horizontal bar, log or horse, the gymnastic bridge plays an auxiliary role. With it, athletes climb the main projectile and begin the performance. The attached bridge is then removed to the side so as not to interfere. At the same time, with vaulting it means much more, since it is used in close conjunction with the main projectile. Without it, it is impossible to make any meaningful leap.
The sloping working surface of the board has the ability to spring. The athlete makes a run and jumps on the bridge. Under the weight of the body, the structure bends, the board, straightening up, throws the athlete up. Having linear acceleration, it rushes forward and upward in an arc, is grouped and, having made an emphasis with the hands on the shell, lands on its feet, after having completed one or more pirouettes in the air.
Varieties
The bridge gymnastic flip usually meets two types. They are similar in principle of operation, but have structural features. The most common are wooden bridges with a bent flexible plate that acts as a spring. Another option is a metal frame as a basis, a push pad made of natural or synthetic materials and steel springs between them.
There are two standard sizes of jumping gymnastic jumps: for children and adults. In turn, they have a division: for training in educational institutions or amateur use and for professional sports.
The base length of adult models is usually 120–125 cm with a width of 50–60 cm. The push board (platform) has a size of 135x50 cm. The lift height (tilt angle) can be 10–30 cm and depends on the type of spring mechanism. This controls 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 solid, level surface in the hall or in the open area. For stability from the bottom of the base, it must have rubber pads that reduce the likelihood of slipping. They must be securely and securely fastened.
A spring mechanism is installed between the push surface and the base frame. It can be a hardened steel spiral. Usually two rows of such springs are installed in the corners, but another one is also possible - to increase dynamic acceleration. In another embodiment, the thrust force is provided by a diagonal wedge mounted diagonally.
It, like the springs, can be fixed rigidly or it is possible to adjust the position to change the degree of jumping structure. The pushing surface is additionally covered with carpet to increase comfort during shocks. Some models have a marking for a more accurate hit in the desired area of the board.
Recently, companies engaged in the production of sports equipment and equipment have been looking for opportunities to improve the construction of gymnastic bridges. Specialists are limited by the standards and requirements of the International Federation of Gymnastics, but they are trying to experiment (springless designs). Their goal is to make gymnastic throwing bridges more reliable, safe, wear-resistant, low noise, and most importantly, so that they provide maximum return of bounce energy.
Material
Since this equipment is used in professional sports and in educational institutions, high demands on the safety of materials and the specifics of use are always imposed on this kind of product. The gymnastic spring bridge is often made from laminated plywood (15 mm).
Used solid wood birch, cedar, ash. In new developments for jerky surfaces, synthetic materials are used (combined carbon fiber, bakelite). From above, often for more comfortable conditions of use, a shock-absorbing padding is installed (carpet, corrugated rubber), which at the same time provides good grip and anti-skid.
The frame can be made of wood or lightweight metal structures. Between it and the jogging platform are installed sheet or wire coil springs made of hardened chrome steel. They are securely fastened with bolts and nuts to countersunk holes so that there are no protruding elements.