Do A Cartwheel
As kids, many of us have always wanted to learn to do the cartwheel. We are amazed at the other kids who can do it with ease and we want so much to be able to do the same. Doing this act will help make your upper body strong and will eventually enable you to do other moves such as the handspring, round-off and walkover.
A cartwheel requires the basic skill of tumbling. However, not all those who do this can make perfect cartwheels with legs and body straight up just like the gymnasts. Some perform it with knees bent which is not nice to look at.
If you’d like to learn to do the right cartwheel, there are a few simple steps that you need to follow.
First find a wide area where you can practice. The gym is perfect but make sure you have a soft mat. You can also practice at the grassy field of a park.
Second, determine which from your two feet is your lead foot. Many people would agree that the lead foot is the one opposite your dominant hand or the hand which you use often. So if you’re a right handed person, your lead foot should be the left foot. This is also the stronger leg and the foot which you normally put forward before the start of a race. Try to see this for yourself if you’re not sure or pretend that you’re getting ready for a race.
Begin in a standing position with both legs apart and your lead foot in front of you. Then put your hands up over your head. Your arms should be against your ears and your hands are turned towards the direction of your heard. Keep your hands straight as if you’re reaching for something up in the sky.
As you’re assuming this position, try to see on the floor or ground where you’re going to place your hands. Then reach for the ground by using the hand above your lead foot. If you’re pointing your right foot, then you should use your right hand first until it reaches the floor. Your other hand will follow. Now while your hand is reaching towards the ground, the opposite foot should be coming up.
The trick in doing the correct cartwheel is in kicking your legs as strong as you can to allow your legs to get off the ground. As your legs are going upwards, your entire weight is now being balanced by your arms. It’s just similar to doing a handstand with your two legs straight up in the air. Remember to keep your back erect to do a perfect cartwheel.
Your hands should also be kept straight, balanced and strong from start to finish. Doing this will keep your body in control and well balanced.
In ending your cartwheel, you should be landing on the opposite foot in the same position that you started with both feet flat on the ground. Keep your hands up as you finish your landing.
A cartwheel can be performed one time or you can continuously go on after your first landing to simulate the spokes of a wagon or bicycle.
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