How to Learn Cartwheel

How to Do a
Cartwheel

A step-by-step guide for beginners!

Be patient, practice often, and have fun!
Gymnast performing a cartwheel on a pink gymnastics floor

★ Before You Start

Use a Safe Surface

Practice on a soft surface such as a gymnastics mat or carpet.

Warm Up

Stretch your wrists, shoulders, hips, and hamstrings.

Have Space

Make sure you have enough open space to the side of you.

Start Slowly

Focus on clean form before trying to move faster.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Start in a Lunge

Stand tall with one foot forward and your arms reached overhead. Keep your front knee slightly bent and your back leg straight.

Gymnast starting a cartwheel in a lunge with arms overhead
2

Reach and Place

Step forward with your front foot. Reach down and place your hands on the floor one at a time, turning your body sideways.

Gymnast reaching down and placing both hands for a cartwheel
3

Kick Over

Kick your back leg up and over, followed by your front leg. Keep both legs long and separated while your body passes upside down.

Gymnast upside down in the middle of a cartwheel with split legs
4

Land on Your Feet

Land one foot and then the other. Lift your chest, reach your arms up, and stand tall to show a controlled finish.

Gymnast standing tall with arms raised after finishing a cartwheel
Colorful folding gymnastics mat for safely practicing cartwheels

Cartwheel Mat

A gymnastics mat gives you grip and cushioning while you learn. It can help you feel safer and build confidence as you practice the hand-hand-foot-foot rhythm.

🏆
Practice Makes Progress

A little bit every day adds up to big results. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey!