How to Do a Cartwheel on a Beam

The cartwheel is a basic gymnastics maneuver in which a gymnast propels her legs over her upper body, supporting her weight with her feet so that her legs perform a full rotation and land on the ground again. When performed on a balance beam it is important for a performer to have strong fundamentals, as a cartwheel which is performed out of proper alignment will miss the balance beam, leading to a fall. A practice beam, set low to the ground, allows for safe practice until the move is mastered.

Things You'll Need

  • Practice mats
  • Practice beam
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice performing a cartwheel on level ground before performing on the beam by planting your hands down and kicking your legs over the top of your hands.

    • 2

      Learn to perform the cartwheel in a straight line by planting your hands next to the beam on the ground and landing with your feet the same distance from the beam as your hands. Progress to the practice bar only when you are comfortable with this step.

    • 3

      Turn your hips so that they are pointed straight down the balance beam

    • 4

      Point your lead toe straight along the top of the beam.

    • 5

      Rotate your body forward and plant your hands down, with the hand that matches the foot pointing down the beam first and closest to the foot.

    • 6

      Kick off with the balls of your feet to propel your feet straight up into a handstand position.

    • 7

      Bring your legs down to the beam, turning your hips so they are pointed down the beam in the opposite direction as the start of the cartwheel.

    • 8

      Land with one foot on the beam and keep your second toe pointed, flexing the planted leg to allow your pointed foot to dip below the bar slightly, if needed.