To perform a cartwheel side flip, you typically use the momentum and positioning from a cartwheel to initiate the side flip motion. This isn't a single combined move but rather a dynamic transition where the cartwheel sets you up powerfully for the flip.
Understanding the Cartwheel to Side Flip Transition
The "cartwheel side flip" describes a sequence where you execute a cartwheel and then seamlessly transition into a side flip (also known as an aerial cartwheel or aerial). The cartwheel provides the initial momentum and gets your body into a position from which you can launch into the rotation of the side flip.
According to instructional content on this move, connecting the two involves specific timing and power generation during the end phase of the cartwheel before the flip.
Steps for the Transition
Based on instructional breakdowns, here's how to connect the cartwheel and side flip:
- Perform the Cartwheel: Start with a standard cartwheel to build forward momentum and rotation.
- Hand Placement: As you finish the cartwheel and your hands come down towards the ground, focus on the placement. The reference indicates placing your right hand, followed by your left hand.
- Powerful Leg Drive: Crucially, as your hands are placed and you prepare for the flip, drive your non-leading leg (often the left leg if cartwheeling to the right and flipping left) over your body. The instruction emphasizes kicking this leg hard and fast so we get a lot of power. This powerful kick helps generate the lift and rotation needed for the flip.
- Going Into the Flip: Immediately following the hand placement and powerful leg drive, you launch into the side flip motion, using the momentum from the cartwheel and the power from your leg kick to rotate around your horizontal axis without hand support.
This entire sequence — doing the cartwheel, placing right hand left hand, kicking our left leg over kicking hard and fast so we get a lot of power, and going into the flip — is described as the way to connect everything together.
Key Elements for Success
Executing this transition effectively requires practice and mastering both the cartwheel and the side flip individually first.
- Momentum: Use the speed and momentum from the cartwheel.
- Body Control: Maintain control as you transfer weight from your hands to launching off your feet.
- Leg Power: The power generated from the final leg drive is essential for height and rotation.
- Timing: The transition from hand support to the no-handed flip must be precise.
By following these steps and focusing on generating power from the leg drive at the end of the cartwheel, you can successfully connect the two movements into a cartwheel side flip transition.
