Trampolines – A Sporting Evolution Trampolines have been around for decades but they have recently given rise to a new sport. Slamball is a hybrid of trampolining and basketball and has begun to gain popularity since its 2002 inception. The use of trampolines is a skilled pursuit in its own right when they are being used competitively but when you add a whole new skill set on top of that which, in the case of Slamball, is basketball, the level of skill required shoots through the roof. Slamball uses a court made up of a series of trampolines and 2 teams compete to score slam-dunks in baskets at opposing ends of the court. The court is mixed surface and is part hard wood and part trampolines. The centre of the court is the hard wearing part and the baskets at either end of the court have a series of trampolines around them for the players to propel themselves and score slam-dunks. Trampolines – The History Of Slamball The basketball, ice hockey and trampolines hybrid of Slamball first came about in 2002 and was developed in Los Angeles, California. Four trampolines are set at floor level around each padded basket and the aim is to outscore the other team. Three points is awarded for propelling off the trampolines and scoring a slam-dunk and two points is awarded for all other types of shot. The sport of Slamball is unique as competitors need to be proficient with two skills sets. The will need to be suitably athletic to use the trampolines and they will also require the co-ordination skill necessary to be a successful basketball player. Trampolines – Slamball Skills And Positions The sport of Slamball consists of various positions and skills and the players capabilities when using the trampolines is integral in determining which position they will play. Each game of Slamball will see 4 players on each team and there are 3 positions, which are: Gunner – A gunner will use the trampolines to be the primary scorer for the team. The gunner is the player who attacks the basket and will finish plays off. Handler – The handler’s role is to be the primary ball handler and to organise team members whilst controlling the flow of the game. The handler will not need to use the trampolines as extensively as the gunners. Stopper – The stopper is the teams’ key defensive player. The will take up their position on the trampolines and endeavour to stop the opposing gunner from scoring. Speak To Sport & Leisure UK About Their Trampolines Sport & Leisure UK Ltd is an established sports retail business renowned for providing quality products to private customers for the lowest prices. Offering everything from exercise bikes to trampolines, Sport & Leisure UK is delighted to provide a price promise to their customers and is dedicated to offering the best deals on sporting goods on the market. For more information on the products and services provided by Sport & Leisure UK, simply call 01444 253963 or email sales@sportandleisureuk.com. Click here for more articles on trampolines.