If you’re preparing for cheer tryouts, tumbling is one of the most important skills you’ll need to master. We all know that it can be stressful when you need to get a skill for tryouts. Whether you’re aiming for a spot on a competitive team or simply want to improve your cheerleading abilities, strong tumbling can give you a major advantage. We’re going to break down the 5 essential tumbling skills you should focus on to prepare for your tryouts. These skills are fundamental and will set you up for success when you’re out on the floor!

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Handstand Progress Checklist

1. Handstand

The handstand is a fundamental skill in cheerleading, laying the groundwork for more advanced tumbling moves like back handsprings and tucks. A clean, strong handstand demonstrates balance, strength, and control, which are essential for any cheerleading routine.

What to focus on:

• Tight form
• Arms locked
• Engaged core
• Straight legs

How to improve it:

• Practice holding a handstand for at least 3-5 seconds to build balance and strength.
• Focus on keeping your body in a straight line—engage your core and point your toes.
• Start practicing against a wall for support, then move to free-standing handstands as you progress.

Check out our comprehensive article for How to do a Handstand

2. Cartwheel

The cartwheel is one of the most basic tumbling skills, but it’s an important one. It’s used frequently in cheer routines and shows off your coordination and agility. Mastering a cartwheel is essential before moving on to more advanced skills like round offs and handsprings.

What to focus on: 

• Long reach
• Straight legs
• Strong finish with chest up

How to improve it:

• Focus on pushing through your legs and keeping your arms straight during the cartwheel motion.
• Work on controlling the speed of your cartwheel to make it more fluid and controlled.
• Practice on a soft surface or mat to build confidence and prevent injury.

Check out our comprehensive article for How to do a Cartwheel

3. Roundoff

The roundoff is a critical skill for connecting tumbling passes and is often used as the starting point for more complex skills like back handsprings. It’s an upgrade from the cartwheel and is essential for building momentum for advanced and powerful tumbling sequences. A powerful and precise roundoff will really impress the judges!

What to focus on:

• Snapping legs together
• Landing in an upright position
• Strong rebound finish

How to improve it:

• Make sure to land with both feet together to create more power as you transition into the next skill.
• Work on keeping your body straight and your arms extended as you finish the round off.
• Practice explosiveness—roundoffs should be quick and powerful to generate momentum for following skills.

Check out our comprehensive article for How to do a Roundoff

4. Back Walkover

The back walkover is an impressive skill that demonstrates flexibility, strength, and control. It’s often used in cheerleading to show off balance and fluidity. The back walkover also serves as a great precursor to more advanced skills like back handsprings and tucks.

What to focus on: 

• Straight arms
• Legs extended
• Pointed toes

How to improve it:

• Practice your bridge position first—this helps build the strength and flexibility required for a smooth back walkover.
• Focus on keeping your legs straight and maintaining control of your body as you kick over.
• If you’re struggling with balance, try starting with a spotter or working on your core strength to build more stability.

Check out our comprehensive article for How to do a Back Walkover

5. Back Handspring

The back handspring is one of the most essential skills for cheerleading. It’s a skill often required at tryouts and is used to link together tumbling passes. A solid back handspring shows agility, strength, and timing—all critical aspects of cheerleading tumbling. It showcases your power, confidence and technique, so make sure it’s executed perfectly!

What to focus on: 

• Strong jump back
• Push off/repulse quickly
• Snap down cleanly

How to improve it:

• Start by working on your back handspring with a spotter to ensure you’re getting the proper technique.
• Focus on your arm motion—using your arms effectively helps generate the momentum needed to complete the handspring.
• Work on your body control and landing technique to make sure you finish with a strong and stable stance.

Check out our comprehensive article for How to do a Back Handspring

*Please note: You should only be attempting a back handspring with proper spotting from an adult. Do NOT attempt a back handspring on your own or you could risk serious injury or death.*

Tips for Cheer Tumbling Tryouts

• Conditioning is Key:
  Tumbling requires strength, flexibility, and endurance. Make sure to incorporate exercises that target your core, legs, and arms, such as planks, leg lifts, and push-ups. These will help improve your overall tumbling performance.
• Master the Basics First:
  Before you dive into advanced skills, make sure you have a solid foundation with the basics. A clean handstand or roundoff can be more impressive than trying an advanced skill without proper technique.
• Consistency is Crucial:
  Consistent practice is the key to improvement. Set aside time each week to work on your tumbling skills, and remember that small progress over time adds up to major improvement.

Mastering the right tumbling skills is crucial for impressing at cheer tryouts. By focusing on these foundational skills—handstand, cartwheel, roundoff, back walkover, and back handspring—you’ll be well on your way to becoming a strong and confident tumbler. Consistent practice and proper technique are key to success. Keep working hard, stay focused, and you’ll be ready to shine at tryouts!

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