Cartwheel (gymnastics) facts for kids

Cartwheel animation

A cartwheel is a cool and fun movement where your body spins sideways! Imagine your arms and legs moving like the spokes of a turning wheel – that's why it's called a cartwheel! You place your hands on the floor one after the other, flip your legs over your body, and then land back on your feet, standing tall.

You often see cartwheels in gymnastics, especially on the floor exercise and sometimes even on the balance beam. But it's not just for gymnasts! Cartwheels are also part of some exciting dances, cheerleading routines, and even the martial art of capoeira. In ancient Indian Karana dance, this move was known as talavilasitam.

The History of Cartwheels

Ancient Fun and Celebrations

People have been doing cartwheels for a very long time! The ancient Greeks and Romans enjoyed them as a playful activity. It seems that kids have always loved to tumble and spin!

One famous story about cartwheels comes from a city called Düsseldorf in Germany. Back in 1288, after a big event called the Battle of Worringen, the people of Düsseldorf won a victory. To celebrate their city getting special rights, children ran through the streets doing cartwheels! This shows how cartwheels have been a part of joyful celebrations for centuries.

How to Do a Cartwheel

A cartwheel performed by a gymnast at the 2019 Junior World Championships.

Getting Ready to Cartwheel

To do a cartwheel, you move sideways in a straight line. It's important to keep your back straight and your tummy muscles tight. Your head should stay tucked in safely.

The Classic Gymnastics Cartwheel Steps

A proper gymnastics cartwheel usually starts with a forward lunge. This means your stronger leg is in front, and your other leg is behind you. Your arms should be straight up in the air. Your hips and belly button should face forward.

Next, you push off your front leg. You place your hands side by side on the ground in front of you. As your hands go down, you kick your legs up and over your body. Your body will be upside down for a moment!

While you are spinning, your legs should stay wide apart, like a big "straddle." Keep your legs straight and your toes pointed. In gymnastics competitions, your legs need to open at least 90 degrees to get the best scores!

Finally, you land one foot on the ground, then the other. You finish in a lunge, but this time your weaker leg is in front. You will be facing the opposite direction from where you started. Remember to keep your arms straight and high, and then you can give a proud salute!

Learning with Bent Legs

If you are just starting to learn cartwheels, it can be helpful to bend your legs a little when your body is upside down. This makes your body smaller and easier to control. It's a great way to practice before you try the full, straight-legged cartwheel!

More Cool Moves

• Aerial cartwheel, a cartwheel done without using your hands!
• Aú, a special cartwheel from the martial art of capoeira.
• Düsseldorf's cartwheeler, a symbol of the city of Düsseldorf.