How To Do A Cartwheel

Everybody knows how to do a cartwheel, right? Wrong! It seems some people can naturally do it, and others always have trouble with it.

It's a great move for beginner bboys to practice, because slowing it down is the key to a one-handed handstand (and its freezes).

You're going to be transferring your weight in a straight line, out to one side. Try to keep your legs straight when they're in the air, for better form and balance.

Here's a walk-through of the cartwheel for those of you who have trouble doing it, or have never done it.

Starting position

What you want to do is stand with your legs shoulder-width apart, and with both arms straight out to each side.

Set-up and hand plant # 1

From there, you're going to lift one arm up (so that it points straight up to the sky) on the side that you want to go down first (probably your stronger side, but not necessarily).

The arm that is up is now going to swing down your side all the way to the ground, as you keep it straight (to build momentum).

It will plant on the ground 1 or 2 feet beside your foot, with your finders pointing behind you.

It's normal for your opposite leg to start coming up, making its way over your head as you reach to the floor.

Try to keep everything in a straight line, so that it will be easier to balance as you try to plant the other arm.

Push off in a Straight Line

Once you have one hand on the ground and one leg in the air, you will have to push off with the leg that's on the ground.

The objective is to keep the momentum of the rising leg as the other pushes off.

Reach over your head (in that straight line) with your free arm towards your landing spot. It can help you to keep the momentum going as you push off.

Try to keep your legs spread open as they go into the air.

Up and Over

The circling arm (opposite of the one on the ground) should swing over your head, and go for a landing a foot or two out on the ground.

Your hands should end up shoulder-width apart, after they've landed.

You should have a handstand for a split second, with you facing the same direction as your starting position.

You are now mid way through your cartwheel.

All that's left for you to do is keep the momentum in your legs, and go right over your head.

Finishing It

It's normal for your arm (the first one that was planted) to start coming up off the ground, as you go for a landing with the opposite side leg.

This leg should land a couple of feet further out (in that same line).

You can then let the other leg land and the remaining arm come up off the ground, as you return to the original position.

You may have to push off slightly with the last planted arm in order to keep to smooth as you finish your cartwheel.

Final Tip

Make sure you have enough free room on the side that you're rolling.

It hurts when you clip something with your legs on the way down.

Now you know how to do a cartwheel.

Go from How To Do a Cartwheel to Easy Break Dancing Moves

Go from How To Do a Cartwheel to the Home Page