Cartwheel Cheerleading: How to Perform a Flawless and Safe Move

A cartwheel is a fundamental gymnastics move and a staple in cheerleading. It involves rotating your body in a sideways “wheel” motion by placing your hands on the ground and kicking your legs overhead before landing on the opposite side. 

In cheer, learning a clean and safe cartwheel builds confidence, leg strength, flexibility, and body awareness, essential for more advanced stunts. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cartwheel cheerleading, how to do it properly, common mistakes to avoid, and drills to help you master this impressive move.

What Is a Cartwheel in Cheerleading?

A cartwheel is executed by stepping into a lunge, placing your hands on the ground one after the other, kicking both legs up in a wide straddle, and rotating your body past vertical before landing in a mirror-image lunge on the opposite side. 

In cheerleading and gymnastics, it should be straight, controlled, and visually clean, with pointed toes, locked legs, and strong arms. A well-performed cartwheel adds excitement to cheers and can serve as a building block for skills like round-offs and back handsprings

Cartwheels being one of the tumbling in cheerleading’s exercises that promotes significant improvement in body awareness and control, which is often lacking in adults due to lack of specialized training.

How to Perform a Cheerleading Cartwheel

Performing a cheerleading cartwheel requires balance, coordination, and proper technique. With practice and the right body alignment, the move becomes a dynamic way to showcase agility and add energy to any routine.

1. Start with Safety & Warm-Up

Practice in a clear, soft area ideally on a mat or spring floor. Warm up your wrists, shoulders, legs, and core to protect your body. You can also follow the basic cheerleading stretching for warm-ups for easier guidance.

2. Begin in Lunge

Stand with your dominant leg forward, knees softly bent, and arms raised overhead. Keep your spine long and shoulders squared.

3. Reach & Hand Placement

Lead forward into a controlled lunge, then place the first hand (same side as front leg) directly on the ground finger-forward, followed by the other hand shoulder-width apart.

4. Kick & Rotate

Drive your back leg up first, then follow with the front leg, forming a straight-line straddle over your body. Keep arms and legs locked out, toes pointed, and hips aligned.

5. Land & Finish

Lower one foot down followed by the other, landing in a lunge. Stand tall with arms raised and smile, it’s usually called as "finish pose".

Common Mistakes in Performing a Cartwheel

When learning a cheerleading cartwheel, it’s common to make a few mistakes that affect form and safety. Issues like bent arms, uneven hand placement, or not kicking the legs high enough can throw off your balance and make the move look messy. Here’s another common mistakes: 

• Twisted Line

Rotating the body sideways often comes from poor alignment or hand placement. Keep your hips and shoulders square to avoid drifting.

• Misplaced Hands

Hands too close to your body or at different angles can throw off your direction. Ensure both are parallel and aligned with your shoulders.

• Late Kick or Weak Momentum

Without enough power, you may collapse or miss the full rotation. Use a strong lunge and drive with both legs to stay straight.

• Bent Limbs or Curved Straddle

Bent legs or a tight gap between your legs weaken form. Focus on locking arms and legs, and stretching into a wide straddle.

Drills to Master a Cheerleading Cartwheel

Drills are a great way to build strength, balance, and confidence when learning a cheerleading cartwheel. Here are several drills you can try to improve your cartwheel in cheerleading:

1. Hand-Only Drills

Practice placing both hands on the ground in line and pushing your hips over your shoulders. Strengthens shoulder stability and hand placement.

2. Cartwheel Speeds

Start slow and deliberate, emphasize alignment. Gradually speed up as your form improves.

3. Line Straddle Drills

Stand over a taped line (or mat) and stay alongside it as you cartwheel. This helps keep your body straight and prevents drifting.

4. Mirror or Video Feedback

Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to track leg alignment, hand position, and rotation. Visual feedback helps correct form quickly.

5. Kneeling Lever Drill

From a kneeling position, lean forward into your hands and push your hips overhead, focusing on full shoulder extension before returning. This builds strength and prepares lean-over balance.

Learn Cartwheel Cheerleading With Rockstar Academy!

A skill like the cheerleading cartwheel not only promotes flexibility and body control but also lays the foundation for more advanced cheer techniques. 

If you're looking to enroll your child in a cheerleading class, Rockstar Academy is a fantastic choice. Our Sports & Performing Arts Academy provides expert-led cheerleading programs designed for all levels, from beginners to aspiring competitors. 

At Rockstar Academy, our cheerleading program offers exciting opportunities to shine on stage and build team spirit. Students will have the chance to perform in prestigious events like the Elite Championships, the high-energy RockOlympics, and the annual Cheer Recital. 

These events allow young cheerleaders to showcase their skills, boost their confidence, and experience the thrill of performing in front of an audience, all while celebrating their progress and hard work with teammates.

Even better, Rockstar Academy offers a free trial class, so your child can experience the excitement and energy before committing. It’s the perfect way to kickstart their cheerleading journey in a fun, supportive environment.

FAQ

Is a cartwheel safe for absolute beginners?

Yes, as long as you warm up properly and use a soft surface. Use drills and spotters at first, then gradually practice full cartwheels with confidence.

What age is appropriate for learning cartwheels?

Children as young as 5 can learn cartwheels, especially if they attend dance or cheer programs (like Rockstar Academy) that teach fundamentals early. 

How often should I practice cartwheels?

Consistent, short sessions 3–4 times a week work best. Include drills, form checks, and full attempts, fatigue can compromise form.