A basic gymnastics skill that develops self-confidence and body awareness is learning how to do a cartwheel. This instructional guide will help you, whether you’re a former athlete needing a refresher or a beginner. With the right technique and a little practice, anyone can become a master of the age-old move, so learning how to do a cartwheel as a beginner doesn’t have to be scary.
Why Learn a Cartwheel?
Let’s get through the benefits of learning cartwheels before we move on to how to do it. Not only are they fun, they also promote:
- Coordination and balance
- Core and upper body strength
- Spatial awareness
- Self-confidence and achievement
Learning to do a cartwheel also prepares you for more complex, harder gymnastics techniques down the line.
Prioritize Safety
Before attempting any beginner’s gymnastics movement, make sure you do the following:
- Find a padded surface, such as a gymnastics mat, grass, or carpet.
- Clear the area of any furniture or other items.
- Warm up by stretching and moving around a little.
- Provide children with adult supervision.
Activities for Preparation
Try these warm-up exercises before trying the full cartwheel tutorial:
Hand Walks
Stand in a forward fold position and walk your hands out into a plank, then walk them back. This builds the required arm strength.
Bunny Hops
Form a squatting position with your hands on the floor, and hop your feet off the ground. This helps with the weight transfer you’ll need for a cartwheel.
Straight Line Practice
Practice walking heel-to-toe along a straight line to improve balance—critical for the step-by-step cartwheel process.
How to Perform a Cartwheel: The Fundamental Method
The main event is about to begin: a comprehensive beginner’s cartwheel tutorial. Let’s dissect it:
1. Starting Position
Raise your arms overhead slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and stand tall. Point one foot forward to act as your lead leg.
2. Lunge and Plant
With your lead leg, take a step forward into a lunge position. As you lunge, begin to bend sideways in the direction you’re cartwheeling, placing your hands on the ground one at a time in a straight line.
3. Kick and Rotate
Push off the ground with your back leg, kicking it up and over while keeping both legs straight. Your body should rotate sideways with your legs passing over your head.
4. Land
Land one foot at a time, ending in a lunge position in the opposite direction from where you began.
5. Stand Tall
Return to a standing position with arms overhead to complete this easy cartwheel tutorial.
Tips to Avoid Errors
When learning the gymnastic cartwheel technique, keep in mind the following tips to avoid common problems:
- Keep your arms straight and strong; don’t bend your elbows.
- Keep your eyes focused on your hands; don’t look down.
- Your hands should be in a straight line; they should create a path for your body to follow.
- Don’t bend your knees; instead, aim to keep your legs straight for proper technique.
- Don’t rush the movement; control is key!
Practice Advancements
Just as Rome did not emerge overnight, neither does a flawless cartwheel! Try these steps:
- Use a wall as support when practicing cartwheels.
- Have a parent or coach offer minor support during practice.
- As you gain confidence, reduce the amount of assistance you receive.
Tips for Troubleshooting
If you experience any difficulties with this step-by-step cartwheel guide, try these solutions:
- If you’re unable to lift your legs over your head, then increase your strength by doing more hand walks and bunny hops.
- If you find yourself frequently losing your balance, then walk your hands and feet over a chalk line on the ground to practice balance.
- If you feel intimidated, then gain confidence by starting with “rainbow” arcs: side bends without ever raising your feet off the ground.
Safety Instructions
Remember to never push yourself to learn a skill before you are ready and to always adhere to injury prevention guidelines. Making progress should be difficult but not scary.
Honoring Advancements
Remember, all Olympic gymnasts began by mastering beginner-friendly gymnastic moves, such as the cartwheel. What’s more important than the final goal is the process of learning how to do a cartwheel. Along the way, acknowledge little accomplishments like straighter legs, better hand placement, or just more self-assurance.
When to Look for Expert Training
Although learning at home is fantastic, receiving professional instruction can significantly accelerate development. Think about signing up your child for girls’ gymnastics or boys’ gymnastics programs, where qualified coaches can offer practical instruction.
Your child will be cartwheeling across the lawn in no time if they practice regularly and use the right technique! See our frequently asked questions for additional details about our Utah Valley gymnastics programs.
