What is DMT gymnastics? A guide to double mini trampoline.
- Gifts for gymnasts
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
If your gymnast has suddenly announced that they want to try DMT, you might be wondering what on earth they’re talking about.
DMT stands for Double Mini Trampoline. It’s a gymnastics discipline that combines the height and skills of trampolining with a fast approach and a much smaller trampoline.
Instead of performing a routine of ten skills on a full-size trampoline, a DMT gymnast runs towards the double mini, performs two skills and lands on a mat at the other end.
It’s fast, powerful and great fun to do and watch.
What is DMT gymnastics and how does Double Mini Trampoline work?
A Double Mini Trampoline is smaller than a competition trampoline and has two sections.
The gymnast takes a run-up before jumping onto the DMT. They perform one skill on the apparatus followed by another skill which takes them off the DMT and onto the landing mat.
This combination of two skills is called a pass.
Gymnasts perform different types of passes and, as they progress, the skills can become increasingly difficult — including twists and somersaults.
The aim isn’t simply to perform difficult skills. Gymnasts are also judged on how well they perform them and how controlled their landing is.
Is DMT the same as trampoline gymnastics?
No — although many gymnasts train and compete in both.
On a full-size trampoline, a competition routine consists of a sequence of skills performed continuously on the trampoline.
DMT is very different to watch. The gymnast starts with a run, performs a short explosive pass and finishes by landing on the mat.
Some gymnasts specialise in one discipline while others compete in both trampoline and DMT.
Is DMT an Olympic Sport?
DMT isn’t currently an Olympic sport, with individual trampoline the only trampoline gymnastics discipline included in the Olympic Games. However, DMT is competed at the highest international level, including at the World Championships, where it sits alongside trampoline and tumbling. DMT also features at The World Games, which includes disciplines that aren’t part of the Olympic programme.
Who can do DMT?
DMT isn’t just for elite gymnasts.
Many trampoline and gymnastics clubs offer DMT at recreational and competitive levels, and gymnasts can progress through competitions as their skills develop.
It requires a combination of speed, power, aerial awareness and control, which is one reason it appeals to gymnasts who enjoy learning dynamic skills.
What is a DMT competition like?
DMT is an exciting discipline to watch because the competition moves quickly. Gymnasts perform a series of passes, receiving a score for each one based on difficulty, execution and landing. At some major competitions, the highest-scoring gymnasts progress through further rounds – for example, a top eight followed by a top four – with the pressure building each time. At higher levels there are also rules around the skills and passes gymnasts can repeat, so they need several different high-quality passes ready to compete. Competition formats vary depending on the gymnast’s level and the event.
What do DMT gymnasts wear for training?
Training clothing needs to allow a gymnast to move freely and stay comfortable while they’re working.
Depending on their club, gymnasts might train in a leotard or comfortable sportswear such as leggings, shorts and a lightweight performance T-shirt.
For competition, clothing requirements are more specific and gymnasts should always follow the rules provided by their club or governing body.
Why don’t more people know what DMT is?
This is something we discovered very quickly at Gifts for Gymnasts!
DMT has a passionate gymnastics community, but outside the sport lots of people have never heard of it. Even finding gifts and clothing specifically for Double Mini Trampoline gymnasts can be surprisingly difficult.
That’s one of the reasons we started creating our own DMT designs.
Gifts for DMT gymnasts
At Gifts for Gymnasts, our DMT collection was created specifically for gymnasts who love the discipline — including performance T-shirts, Tote bags and tote bag tags featuring designs such as DMT Vibes and Double Mini State of Mind.
Whether your gymnast has just discovered DMT or spends most of their week training it, we think this brilliant corner of gymnastics deserves some attention.
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