How to do a cartwheel

Have you ever found yourself at a summer camp, surrounded by friends showing off their gymnastic prowess, while you sit on the sidelines wishing you could join in? Maybe you’re preparing for a fun outdoor get-together and want to impress everyone with your acrobatic skills. Or perhaps you’ve decided to finally take on that childhood challenge of mastering a cartwheel. Whatever the motivation, the desire to learn how to do a cartwheel can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially if you’re starting from scratch. In this post, we’ll break down the steps to help you execute a flawless cartwheel and gain the confidence to show off your new move.

To do a cartwheel, start by standing upright with your arms raised. Step forward with one foot, and as you do, lean forward and place your hands on the ground, leading with the hand opposite your stepping foot. Kick your back leg up and over your body, while pushing through your hands. As your legs pass over, your other foot should land on the ground, followed by the foot that stepped first, bringing you back to a standing position. Practice slowly to gain confidence and balance.

To elaborate on the cartwheel technique further, ensure you’re in a spacious area with a soft surface, like grass or a gym mat. Start from a standing position and find your dominant hand–a simple test for this is to see which hand feels more natural to use when reaching out or throwing a ball.

1. Preparation: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, arms stretched above your head. Take a deep breath to relax your body.

2. Step Forward: Take a step forward with your dominant foot. As you step, bend your knees slightly and lean your torso forward.

3. Hand Placement: As your foot moves forward, reach out with your opposite hand towards the ground. Your first hand should touch the ground followed by the second after a swift motion. The movement should be fluid; try to place your hands about shoulder-width apart.

4. Leg Kick: As your hands make contact with the ground, vigorously kick your back leg up to generate momentum. This is crucial for balancing your body as you turn sideways.

5. Rotation: Follow through by pushing off your hands and allowing your legs to scatter over your body. Keep your core engaged, which will help maintain your balance throughout the move.

6. Landing: Look to the ground as your feet come down, making sure to land both feet together, shoulder-width apart, to stabilize your landing.

7. Practice: Repeat these steps slowly until you feel comfortable. Watching videos can also help, as seeing the movement can give you a better understanding of the technique.

With sustained practice and perseverance, you’ll develop the coordination and confidence needed to perfect your cartwheel. Remember to have fun and celebrate your progress along the way!