Quiz the Coach - How To Do A Cartwheel

So ya dig sports but need some help with your game? Don't understand some of the rules of football, basketball or soccer? Got a gripe about P.E. class, teammates or coaches, or anything? Why not ? The Kidzworld Coach can help ya work out team problems or give ya tips and advice to improve your game - all ya gotta do is ask!

Hey Coach,
I've been in cheerleading for five years and I don't know how to do a cartwheel. I think it is because I'm afraid I'll hit the ground! Please help me.
rockgirl9

Hey rockgirl9,

I know a lot about sports of all kinds but unfortunately, I know about as much about landing cartwheels as most cheerleaders know about throwing touchdown passes. So, I talked to Dish-It, who knows lots about cheerleading and asked her for a few tips on landing the perfect cartwheel.

Dish-It's How To Do A Cartwheel:

To begin a cartwheel, stand in a lunge position with your strong leg in front, knee bent slightly and arms up by your ears.

If you're right-handed, reach forward with your right arm, kicking your left leg up as you do so. The left hand should follow very quickly, and as it touches the ground, your right leg should be off of the ground also.

You should pass through a handstand briefly. Your left leg will touch the ground first, followed by the right, which you will place in back, finishing in a lunge, just as you started, but with the opposite leg in front. If you're left-handed, you'll reverse these directions.

A good cartwheel is all about having a good rhythm. Think about going 1,2,3,4, or "hand, hand, foot, foot". Take your time, and be careful - but don't be afraid.

Landing a good cartwheel requires more than just reading these directions. Make sure you practice with the help of your gymnastics or cheerleading coach or a P.E. teacher.

Do you have a question on sports, P.E. class, fitness or health? to the Kidzworld Coach. Keep in mind peeps, the Kidzworld Coach isn't a doctor or a professional athlete or anything like that. He's just a dude who digs sports, plays 'em and knows a lot about 'em. You should always talk to your 'rents, a doctor or your school gym teacher before starting a new sport or a new exercise.

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