Category: Sports Training Subcategory: Gymnastics

How To Do a Cartwheel

Step-by-step Instructions

Here is what you need to do...

Step 1

You always want to start with the basics in gymnastics and a cartwheel is the perfect place to start. A cartwheel involves balance and using your shoulder muscles. Ok to start you want to find an open place to practice. A room with lots of space and possible soft flooring in case you fall. If you do fall don't get discouraged, just stand up and try again.

Step 2

For a cartwheel you should start with your body facing forward, not facing sideways. It is possible to do cartwheels from the side but it involves more work and will probably look sloppy.

Step 3

As you are facing forward you are going to have your dominant leg step out as if you are going to go into a lunge, but not as spread out. Practice with both legs and eventually both sides to find your comfortable dominant side.

Step 4

Now you are about to go into the cartwheel. With your body forward and dominant leg out, have have your arms up and ready to go. Reach down to the ground and your dominant hand (same side as dominant leg) will touch the ground, As this is happening your opposite leg should be raising in the air to go over.

Step 5

continue with this motion and now as your opposite leg raises in the air your opposite hand will be placed on the floor shoulder length apart from your dominant hand. You should now be ready to support with your upper body and carry your lower body over

Step 6

Your opposite leg flows over and your dominant leg follows in the same manor. You should now be in a position almost like a handstand.

Step 7

Coming out of the cartwheel is just the opposite of how you entered it. Your opposite foot will touch first and dominant shortly after. At the same time your dominant hand lifts off of the ground as your opposite foot lands to help you come up out of the cartwheel.

Step 8

Congratulations! You have done a cartwheel. Practice doing this on a straight line or videotape yourself to help improve. Another tip, keep your body straight when doing the cartwheel, it will help with balance and fluidity of the move.

Special Attention

Difficulties people often experience or parts that need special attention to do it right.

If you are not sure you can support yourself try doing handstands against a wall (with a friend is suggested) and see where your strength and balance is.