How to Draw Trampoline — Free Practice Sheets

A drawing of a trampoline depends on a few clear shapes working together: a wide, open ellipse for the bouncing mat, a slightly larger ellipse for the frame, a ring of short radial lines for the springs, and four straight legs with small feet. This page explains how those parts fit and how to practise them on trace, grid, and partial-reference sheets. The goal is accurate observation and proportion, not a pixel-perfect copy.

Build the trampoline from its main shapes

Start with the mat, because it sets the width of everything else. A circular mat seen from slightly above looks like an ellipse, not a perfect circle. Keep the inside of that ellipse open so the mat reads as a surface rather than a solid disc. Then add a second, slightly larger ellipse around the first. The gap between the two ellipses becomes the frame edge where the springs attach.

Next, draw short radial lines in that gap, spaced around the whole edge. Each line should point outward from the mat toward the frame, like spokes on a wheel. Keep them short and fairly even; they represent springs, not long cables. Finally, add four vertical legs below the frame, each ending in a small rounded foot. Space the legs so the trampoline looks balanced rather than tilted.

1. Draw a large ellipse for the circular mat, keeping the inner area open.
2. Add a second slightly larger ellipse around it to form the frame edge.
3. Draw short radial lines between the two ellipses all the way around to indicate springs.
4. Add four vertical legs below the frame, each ending in a small rounded foot.

Using the practice sheet formats

The trace sheet asks you to follow the reference outline first, then repeat the contour on your own. Tracing builds the hand motion; the independent attempt tests whether you can recall the shape order. Compare your result with the separate full reference sheet rather than judging it from memory.

The grid sheet asks you to copy the reference onto a blank grid using matching intersections. Use the grid to check where the mat's widest point sits, how far the frame extends, and where each leg meets the frame. The bounding-frame and center-guide sheet helps you place the silhouette before adding details. The complete-the-drawing sheet gives you the full reference and a blank right-hand portion; finish the missing side by matching the visible proportions.

1. On the trace sheet, follow the outline once, then draw the contour again without tracing.
2. On the grid sheet, match key points to grid intersections before connecting them.
3. On the partial sheet, use the completed side to judge the missing side's width and leg spacing.

Checking proportions and placement

A convincing trampoline keeps the mat wide and shallow, the frame ring even in width, and the legs roughly equal in length. If the mat looks too tall, flatten the ellipse. If the springs bunch up on one side, redistribute the radial lines. If one leg is much longer, shorten it so the feet sit at a similar level.

Art has multiple valid outcomes. A drawing can differ from the reference and still be correct if the visible features and proportions hold together. Assess the open mat, the frame ring, the spring lines, and the four feet rather than demanding an exact match.

1. Compare the mat's width to its height; adjust the ellipse if it looks too round.
2. Check that the spring lines are evenly spaced around the frame.
3. Confirm four legs and four small feet sit below the frame.

A worked example

Prompt: Trace the reference outline, then practise the contour independently. Compare with the separate full reference sheet. A correct result preserves the circular bouncing mat drawn as an open ellipse, a ring of short radial lines around the mat edge representing springs, and four straight support legs with small feet. Other drawings can be correct; assess the visible features and proportions rather than pixel-perfect matching.

1. Draw the open mat ellipse first.
2. Add the larger frame ellipse around it.
3. Fill the gap with short radial spring lines.
4. Add four legs with small feet below the frame.

Check your work

• The mat is drawn as an open ellipse, wider than it is tall.
• A second, slightly larger ellipse forms the frame edge around the mat.
• Short radial lines appear between the two ellipses around the full edge.
• Four legs sit below the frame, each with a small foot.
• Leg lengths and spacing look balanced rather than tilted or uneven.

Worked example

trampoline: Trace the reference outline, then practise the contour independently. Compare with the separate full reference sheet.

Common mistakes

• Drawing the mat as a perfect circle instead of an ellipse. Flatten the shape slightly so its width is greater than its height, matching a mat seen from above.
• Filling the mat with shading or lines so it no longer reads as an open surface. Keep the inner ellipse open and reserve detail for the frame and springs.
• Placing legs unevenly or giving them different lengths. Space the four legs around the frame and keep their lengths similar so the feet sit at a comparable level.

Questions and answers