How to Do a Cartwheel in Cheerleading for Beginners
Being able to perform a successful cartwheel is a typical requirement for joining a cheer squad. A cartwheel is a fluid motion with four primary movements -- a lunge, a hand plant, a handstand and a landing. These movements should run smoothly into one another, making the cartwheel look like one seamless motion. Through dedication and practice you'll soon perfect the cartwheel, making yourself eligible to join a cheer squad and become a cheerleader.
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Instructions
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Stand with your feet together, shoulder width apart, and raise your hands above your head straight inline with your torso.
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Lunge forward by moving your dominant leg forward, bending your knees slightly, while keeping your arms raised above your head.
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Transfer your weight onto your dominate leg while leaning forward in preparation for planting your hands on the ground.
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Bring the palm of the hand that matches your dominate foot onto the ground first, the right hand, for example, if your dominant leg is the right.
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Transfer your weight onto your hands as the palm of your dominant hand is planted on the ground. Lock your elbows and bring your legs over your head, passing through a quick handstand.
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Land with the foot opposite to your dominate first, followed by your dominate foot. Stand upright to finish the cartwheel.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't be afraid of performing a cartwheel, the worst that will happen is a slight tumble. Practice on soft ground, such as in grassy field, when starting out to make landings more comfortable.
Keep your back straight while performing a cartwheel to keep the path of your cartwheel straight.
Strengthen your upper body by doing push-ups if you have difficulty holding yourself up with your arms while passing through the handstand.
Have another person watch you perform a cartwheel and ask them what you need to improve.
References
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
