How to teach a cartwheel: 22 drills, step by step

Name: Cartwheel - Drill 1
Uploaded: 2026-02-06
Description: You teach a cartwheel by starting from a strong lunge, placing hand-hand-foot-foot on one straight line and passing through a stretched handstand position. This series builds that pattern on floor. It is for coaches of beginners and for anyone fixing a bent or crooked cartwheel before moving on to round-offs.

You teach a cartwheel by starting from a strong lunge, placing hand-hand-foot-foot on one straight line and passing through a stretched handstand position. This series builds that pattern on floor. It is for coaches of beginners and for anyone fixing a bent or crooked cartwheel before moving on to round-offs.

22 video steps · floor, floor-men

Step 1 of 22, free: Cartwheel - Drill 1

The phases

Lunge: start with arms by the ears and the front knee bent over the toes.
Hand placement: place the hands one after the other on a straight line.
Through handstand: pass through a stretched position with straight legs and open shoulders.
Leg order: land foot after foot on the same line.
Finish: end in a lunge facing the start with the arms up.

Before you start

The gymnast should hold a kick-up toward handstand or a supported handstand, support body weight on straight arms and know a basic lunge.

Common mistakes

Hands placed beside each other instead of on a line: the cartwheel turns sideways and crooked.
Bent legs or piked hips: the skill looks small and does not pass through handstand.
Looking away from the hands: balance and direction are lost.
Bent arms: the gymnast collapses toward the floor.

Coaching cues

Lunge, reach far
Hand, hand, foot, foot
Straight legs over the top
Stay on the line

All 22 steps

Frequently asked questions

At what age can children learn a cartwheel?

Many children can learn a basic cartwheel in early primary school once they can support their weight on their arms. Readiness depends on strength and coordination more than exact age, so use a mat line, bench or wedge as needed.

How do I fix a crooked cartwheel?

Have the gymnast work along a straight line or narrow mat and focus on hand placement first. Check the lunge direction and keep the eyes on the hands. Drills over a block or wedge can help straighten the legs.

What is a Cartwheel? Read the glossary entry