How to Do a Cartwheel for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
Interested in a cartwheel tutorial?
A cartwheel is often one of the first exciting gymnastics skills children want to learn. It helps develop coordination, balance, upper body strength, flexibility, and spatial awareness, making it a fantastic foundation skill for young gymnasts.
Whether your child is practising for the first time or wants to improve their technique, this beginner-friendly guide explains how to do a cartwheel safely and correctly.
What Is a Cartwheel?
A cartwheel is a sideways movement where the body rotates in an inverted position while travelling from one side to the other. The hands and feet take turns contacting the floor, creating a smooth "wheel-like" motion. Learning a cartwheel teaches important gymnastics fundamentals that support future skills such as round-offs, handstands, and walkovers.
Step 1: Start in a Lunge Position
Begin by standing tall with your preferred leg in front.
Stretch both arms straight up beside your ears.
Bend your front knee slightly.
Keep your back leg straight behind you.
Look forward and engage your core muscles.
If your child naturally kicks a football with their right foot, they will often place their right foot in front. However, it can be helpful to try both sides to discover which feels most comfortable.
Step 2: Reach Down to the Floor
As you lean sideways:
Place your first hand on the floor.
Place your second hand down immediately afterwards.
Keep your arms straight and strong.
Imagine drawing a straight line from your fingertips to your toes.
Your hands should be positioned one after the other, rather than side by side.
Step 3: Kick Your Legs Over
Once your hands are firmly planted:
Push off your front foot.
Kick your back leg up towards the ceiling.
Allow the second leg to follow.
Aim to create a wide "V" shape with your legs as they pass overhead.
The stronger the kick, the easier it is to maintain momentum through the skill.
Step 4: Land One Foot at a Time
As your legs come down:
Place the first foot on the floor.
Follow with the second foot.
Finish facing the opposite direction from where you started.
Lift your arms back up into a finishing position.
Try to stand tall with your chest lifted and arms by your ears to complete the cartwheel with confidence.
Common Cartwheel Mistakes
Many beginners experience the same challenges when learning cartwheels. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Bent arms during hand placement.
Looking at the floor instead of keeping the head neutral.
Legs staying too low rather than kicking upwards.
Rushing the movement without control.
Finishing with poor posture.
Remember that cartwheels take practice. Progress often happens gradually as children build strength and confidence.
Safety Tips for Practising Cartwheels
Before attempting cartwheels at home:
Practise on a soft, non-slip surface.
Ensure there is plenty of space around you.
Warm up wrists, shoulders, and legs beforehand.
Never force flexibility or movement.
Seek guidance from a qualified gymnastics coach when learning new skills.
Why Consistent Practice Matters
Like any gymnastics skill, cartwheels improve through repetition. Regular practice helps children develop muscle memory, coordination, body awareness, and confidence.
At House of GPA, our qualified coaches break skills down into manageable steps, helping every child progress safely at their own pace. Through consistent coaching and encouragement, many children quickly build the foundations needed to achieve more advanced gymnastics skills.
Learn Cartwheels at House of GPA
Looking for beginner gymnastics classes in South London?
House of GPA offers engaging gymnastics programmes for children and adults of all abilities, from complete beginners to those progressing towards competitive pathways. Our experienced coaches focus on developing strong fundamentals in a supportive and inclusive environment where children can build confidence, make friends, and have fun while learning new skills.
Book a class today and take the first step in your child's gymnastics journey.
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