I'm not a Cheer Dad but my daughter does competitive cheer. I'm a basketball Dad but was called upon to help my daughter through her mental blocks in RO+BHS. If you're reading this and you're in the Cheer rabbit hole, you know what I'm talking about. For two years, my daughter could not throw this level 2 skill but she's able to do a whole bunch of level 3 skill that don't involve BHS. All of this was literally tearing the family apart as my wife (a Cheer Mom) is freaking out and upset, while my daughter is has lost all confidence and crying. Ok so I dramatized all this but those of you know..... know how it's not too far from the truth. I'm not saying this will save the day but it's a needed tool to safely practice tumbling outside of the gym.
This mat is as good as the expensive air tracks you find in the gyms. You don't need to spend thousands to get a good mat. Some tips for new folks. Generally, thicker means it's bouncier and usually you want this for younger athletes as they are starting out. Thinner or less thick means it's firmer and therefore closer to an air floor and like the tumble track in the gym. So this is meant for older and more experienced athletes. Controlling power through tumbling will become the big challenge through tumbling development As for length, get what you can afford and what fits for your environment. But if you buy too short and need to extend, you can get a second one and connect them. For length, you need to figure out the tumbling combos you plan to practice, especially if you're doing running tumbling. You can do most standings. it's all about how much space you need. My daughter is a 7th grader (she's small) and we got the 16' length. It's enough to do a RO+BHS out of a lunge. But with a power hurdle start, it's barely enough. 16' for her is enough for a two combo tumbling run although she has done some triple combos barely. We are at a point where I may get another 10'-16'. These mats are pretty durable as we use it exclusively outside on the lawn. We've so far used it during Spring and hot Summer days. Inflation and deflation is super easy. It was $$ well spent. It seems very durable to me so far. Rubber material reminds of of the old inflateables rafts we used to take to the river or beach when I was young.
With this tool, it allowed me to work with my daughter at home and get her through her tumbling blocks. We now use it to refine technique and practice. I have no doubt that we will use it for however long she does cheer and it's something we use at least 3 times a week if not more. She loves it as she can work on specific skills on her own. I highly recommend this purchase as a key training/practice tool for anyone serious about cheer (or gymnastics).
Some CONS:
- It's heavy
- it does not fit the bag when rolled up
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 29 x 8 x 7.5 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 7.71 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 79 x 39 x 7.9 inches |
| Item Weight | 17 Pounds |
| Brand Name | FBSPORT |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Polyvinyl Chloride |
| Manufacturer | FBSPORT |
| Part Number | mat241 |
| Size | 6.6ft*3.3ft*4in(2*1*0.1m) |
