How to Do a Gymnastics Cartwheel

Gymnastics requires tremendous muscle power, flexibility and coordination. In order to perform a cartwheel, the gymnast needs to develop good upper body strength. Once the cartwheel is learned it is often part of the warm up routine, since it is essentially the basic foundation of higher level skills. To learn the cartwheel you must first master a few simple moves.

Instructions

    • 1

      Focus on technique and form. The gymnast has to make the cartwheel look like a wheel in motion. In fact, rumor has it that the cartwheel actually got it's name from it's resemblance to a wagon wheel.

    • 2

      Practice first by trying a few simple exercises. Balance on one foot with arms extended straight out in front and opposite leg lifted level behind. Slowly release your hands to the ground in front of your foot and return to starting position. This develops upper body strength.

    • 3

      Push off. From the lunge position the gymnast will push off the flat foot and raise it off the floor, as hands touch the ground. Only, return the landing on the opposite foot as you will do in the cartwheel. This exercise will acclimate you to being upside down.

    • 4

      Get ready to quarter turn. A great way to work on this skill is to use chalk and draw the hand placement first. Both hands will face the same side the gymnast will rotate on. For example, if rotating right, right hand will go down first into the drawing then immediately followed by the left.

    • 5

      Move feet. If the hand placement is understood the gymnast will begin to practice getting the legs over. Push off with the leading foot onto hands to give the back leg momentum. Land your opposite leg down first. If right started, land with left foot first.

    • 6

      Stand tall, raise arms, stick out the chest and smile. This skill should be repeated many times until the gymnast can perform it properly. The correct form will be pointed toes, straight legs and arms.

    • 7

      Warm up for bigger and better things. The cartwheel is the basic foundation for future tumbling skills for the gymnast. More difficult moves such as the front and back walkover, handspring and salto are taught once the cartwheel is achieved.