6309 SW Capitol Highway, Portland OR, 97239
503 432 7450
Here’s the method we use to teach all our students a “baby” cartwheel. This works even for those students (old, young, male or female) who insist they “can’t” do a cartwheel.
Start from a relaxed standing position.
1. Open the right foot 90 degrees.
2. Raise the right hand straight up in the air.
3. Place the right hand on the ground, on the same line as the right foot.
4. Raise the left hand straight up in the air.
5. Place the left hand on the ground, a bit further down the same line that the right hand is on.
6. Swing the left leg in front and around 180 degrees, touching the ground the whole time, so that the hands are now between the feet.
7. Swing the right leg around 180 degrees, while pressing off the ground with the hands, turning the body back to face the same direction as it started in.
1. Open the right foot 90 degrees.
2. Raise the right hand straight up in the air.
3. Place the right hand on the ground, on the same line as the right foot.
4. Raise the left hand straight up in the air.
5. Place the left hand on the ground, a bit further down the same line that the right hand is on.
6. Swing the left leg in front and around 180 degrees, touching the ground the whole time, so that the hands are now between the feet.
7. Swing the right leg around 180 degrees, while pressing off the ground with the hands, turning the body back to face the same direction as it started in.
Some key points: bend your knees as much as needed. Place the hands flat on the ground. Don’t jump at all – this is an introductory move, not a full cartwheel.
Once students have got this (on both sides, the directions are for doing the move on the right side) then they can add a small hop with both feet after step #5 and then they can start trying “real” cartwheels. The important bit is that everyone will be able to do some fashion of cartwheel after this lesson and they’ll be able to safely teach the progression to other students.