A good gymnastics springboard can cost at least $500 USD, but you can build one yourself for much less. Of course, I can’t take any responsibility for the use of this springboard blueprint — so if your self-made springboard launches you to the moon, that’s on you! :)
I’ve seen this type of homemade springboard in several gymnastics gyms across South America and Asia, and I’ve never had any issues with them.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to build a wooden gymnastics springboard with 6 metal springs. You can also adapt the design to use a metal frame. Fully wooden springboards are a bit harder to build. Instead of using metal springs, you can also use elastic rubber blocks, which is a great solution if you want less bounce — ideal for wushu training. Also, check out more gymnastics instructions at Gymnastics Main.
Materials Needed
- 2 long wooden boards: 120 × 20 × 2.5 cm
- 2 short wooden boards: 60 × 20 × 2.5 cm
- 16 wood screws: 5 cm long
- 6 steel plates: Diameter 120–150 mm, 5–10 mm thick, with 11 mm holes in the center
- 3 steel springs: Diameter 100 mm, 3–5 mm thick, approx. 150 mm tall
- 3 steel springs: Diameter 100 mm, 3–5 mm thick, approx. 90 mm tall
- 6 metal bolts: 50–60 mm
- 2 rubber blocks: approx. 20 × 3 × 5 cm (triangular shape)
- 4 additional screws to attach the rubber blocks to the top and bottom boards
- 1 very strong layered board (ask a local carpenter): 130 × 60 × >3 cm
- Rubber sheet (1–2 mm) to protect the underside of the top board
- 1 strong strap or sling to hold the springboard together: 120 × 10 cm
- Foam padding layer: approx. 50 × 100 cm (5 mm thick)
- Carpet layer: 130 × 60 cm
Springboard Construction
- Start with the two long wooden boards, placing them 20 cm apart.
- Attach the short boards at each end — one at the back, one in the middle — forming a rectangle.
- Use the 5 cm wood screws to secure all four boards together.
- Place the six metal plates on top of the base board where the springs will be installed.
- Make sure each metal plate has an 11 mm hole in the center. Drill matching holes through the wooden base.
- Weld the springs onto the metal plates. (You don’t have to keep the plates on the wood while welding.)
- Use the taller springs in the front, the shorter ones in the middle.
- Tip: Once the front springs are in place, place the top board on top to measure the correct height for the middle springs. These should stay in contact with the top board at all times. The front springs can have a 1 cm gap.
- Secure the spring/plate assemblies to the wooden base.
- Glue the rubber blocks to the base and top board as shown in the diagram.
- Before attaching the top board, apply a thin rubber sheet where the springs will make contact with it.
- There can be a 1–2 cm gap between the top board and the springs.
- Secure the strong sling (strap) around the structure. Glue it to the center of the top board, then pull it down along the sides and attach it (with screws or nails) to the base. This is essential — without it, the force from the springs could rip the board apart.
- Glue the foam padding on top of the board to protect your feet during jumps.
- Place the carpet layer over the foam. Ensure there are no screws in the takeoff area.
- Finally, add small rubber pads under the base to protect the floor and prevent slipping. This is crucial to avoid injury.
Advice
- Consult a local carpenter. You’ll need very strong and flexible wood.
- Always check out gymnastics training materials and safety guidelines.
- Again: This construction plan is provided as-is. You’re free to modify the blueprint at your own risk.
- For wushu training, rubber or foam blocks work well and make construction simpler and safer.
Suggestions
- [Gymnastics Main Page]
- [Learn the Wushu Cartwheel Without Hands Using a Springboard]
- [Wushu Main Page]
- Gymnastic Front Flip Guide
