Trampoline
Trampoline is the bounce-back behaviour of a padel racket panel - how much the panel flexes on impact and returns energy to the ball. Higher trampoline rackets feel “springier” and produce more power for the same swing speed. Lower trampoline rackets feel firmer and prioritise control over rebound.
What is trampoline?
Trampoline is the racket-coaching term for how much the panel flexes on impact and returns energy to the ball. A high-trampoline racket has a panel that compresses noticeably on contact and snaps back, transferring extra energy to the ball - the result is more power for the same swing. A low-trampoline racket has a stiffer panel that flexes less and produces a firmer, more controlled shot.
What controls it
Two factors set the trampoline effect. First, panel stiffness - softer panels flex more, harder panels less. Second, EVA density - softer EVA cores deform more on impact, contributing to a higher trampoline. Most rackets pair the two: soft EVA with a soft panel for maximum trampoline, hard EVA with a stiff carbon panel for minimum trampoline.
Trade-off
High-trampoline rackets feel powerful but harder to control - the panel “helps” the shot, which makes precise placement more difficult. Low-trampoline rackets feel less powerful but easier to direct precisely. The right choice depends on whether you need more power (high) or more control (low). Most amateurs benefit from moderate trampoline rackets.
Coach tip: Trampoline is the racket spec most worth feeling in person before you buy. The number on a spec sheet does not capture how the racket responds to your swing. If possible, hit a few balls with a rental or club-loan racket before committing.
Common mistakes
Two patterns. First, assuming high trampoline is universally better - it produces more power but at the cost of placement precision. Second, ignoring the trampoline-balance interaction. A high-trampoline head-heavy racket amplifies both characteristics and can feel uncontrollable for a beginner.
