How to Do a Basic Cartwheel

The cartwheel is one of the most basic gymnastics moves. You must learn it before you can perform other gymnastic basics and progress on to more difficult moves. Doing a cartwheel requires balance and momentum.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Clear a path and a space to perform the cartwheel. Make sure nothing is on the floor that you might land on, trip on or otherwise bump into.

2. Raise your arms straight above your head and point your dominant leg, raising it slightly off the ground. The dominant leg corresponds to your writing hand. Keep your head straight and eyes looking straight ahead.

3. Place your dominant hand on the ground first as you lift your back leg up in a kicking motion. Follow the momentum and bring your dominant leg up while placing your other hand on the ground.

4. Bring your back leg to the ground first and release your hands.

5. Stand up straight as you set your dominant leg down. The dominant leg is in back now and the body is facing the opposite direction.

Tips & Warnings

• Cartwheels take time to perfect. Keep trying. Focus on momentum and have confidence that you'll eventually succeed. Falling or missing is normal at first.
• Make sure your wrists can handle a lot of pressure. If you need to, wear a brace or wrap your wrists first to avoid injury until you gain momentum with your legs. A cartwheel doesn't take a lot of arm strength to perform correctly. Try moving through the cartwheel faster if your arms are buckling under the weight of your body or your wrists are hurting.

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