In this lesson, you will learn how to do a gymnastic cartwheel. The cartwheel is one of the first skills you’ll learn in artistic gymnastics. The only skill you should practice beforehand is the handstand. Once you’ve mastered a proper cartwheel, you can start working on the round-off — a movement that is technically very similar and used to generate momentum for tumbling sequences such as back handsprings and flips.
Find more gymnastics skills in the Artistic Gymnastics section.
Stand upright with your legs together. Extend your arms overhead and stretch your fingertips upward as high as possible to increase the distance between your hands and the floor. Look straight ahead and keep your core engaged.
Lift your left leg without moving any other part of your body, keeping all limbs fully extended. This is a static cartwheel — performed without running or stepping.
If you'd like to practice the cartwheel with a run-up, take a few running steps, hop off your right foot, and lift your arms at the same time. Then land on your right foot and continue as shown below.
Take a wide step with your left leg and reach forward with your arms. Keep your core engaged and your arms aligned with your torso. Ensure that all limbs remain fully extended.
Place your left hand about one body-and-arm length in front of where you started, with your elbow straight. Your hand should be placed perpendicular (90°) to the cartwheel direction. Start lifting your legs and keep your knees straight. Open your legs as much as possible and maintain core tension.
Next, place your right hand parallel to your left hand. The distance between both hands should be about 1.5 shoulder widths. Again, keep your core tight and your limbs extended. Do not arch or relax your back. Push your hips upward, as far from the floor as possible — this helps maintain a straight and controlled cartwheel.
Lower your right foot first, keeping your arms and torso in line.
Then place your left foot on the floor about 1 meter behind your right foot. Keep your torso and arms aligned with the left leg. Once your left foot is down, bring your right foot back so your legs are together again. Keep both your knees and arms fully extended.
Now you are in the same position as when you started — just facing the opposite direction. Once again, reach upward with your fingertips.
