Roundoff vs. Cartwheel — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 1, 2024
Roundoff is a gymnastic move ending in a forward stance after a half-turn leap off both feet, while a cartwheel involves a lateral rotation with hands and feet touching the ground alternately.
Difference Between Roundoff and Cartwheel
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A roundoff starts with a run, followed by a hurdle to initiate a half-turn leap off both feet, ending in a forward-facing position. It's a foundational skill in gymnastics, used to gain momentum for more complex maneuvers. In contrast, a cartwheel is executed by extending the legs in a wide lateral rotation, with the gymnast's hands touching the ground one after the other, maintaining a straight body line throughout the move.
The roundoff is characterized by its powerful backward push-off, propelling the gymnast into subsequent skills, such as back handsprings or flips. This makes it crucial for combinations in tumbling routines. Whereas the cartwheel focuses on lateral movement, emphasizing flexibility, balance, and control, often serving as a standalone skill or part of a floor routine.
Execution-wise, the roundoff requires the gymnast to turn their hands sideways on the ground, allowing for a smooth half-turn transition. This requires precise timing and body alignment to ensure a successful landing. On the other hand, in a cartwheel, the gymnast's hands land in alignment with their direction of motion, with each hand touching down sequentially to support the body as it rotates laterally.
The landing stance also differentiates these two skills. After a roundoff, the gymnast aims to land with both feet together, facing the opposite direction from the start, ready to launch into the next move. Conversely, a cartwheel concludes with the gymnast returning to a standing position, often with one foot leading, mirroring the starting stance.
Both the roundoff and cartwheel are essential gymnastics skills, but they serve different purposes and require distinct techniques. While the roundoff is about power and propulsion for further aerial skills, the cartwheel emphasizes grace, balance, and control, showcasing the gymnast's agility and strength.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Initiation
Begins with a run and a half-turn leap.
Starts from a standing position, moving laterally.
Body Movement
Ends in a forward-facing stance after a leap.
Involves a lateral rotation with legs and arms extending.
Purpose
Used to gain momentum for complex maneuvers.
Focuses on balance, flexibility, and control.
Execution Details
Hands turn sideways for a half-turn transition.
Hands touch the ground sequentially, in line with motion.
Landing
Lands with both feet together, facing forward.
Ends in a standing position, often with one foot leading.
Compare with Definitions
Roundoff
A powerful skill for gaining momentum.
His roundoff helped him launch into a series of tumbles.
Cartwheel
Hands land one after another.
He practiced the timing of his hands touching down in the cartwheel.
Roundoff
A gymnastic move ending with a forward stance after a half-turn leap.
She used a roundoff to transition into her backflip.
Cartwheel
A lateral rotational move performed on the hands and feet.
Her cartwheel was executed with perfect form.
Roundoff
Requires turning hands sideways on the ground.
She focused on the hand position during her roundoff.
Cartwheel
Emphasizes balance and flexibility.
A cartwheel showcases the gymnast's control and agility.
Roundoff
Involves both feet leaving and landing together.
Perfecting the roundoff requires precise footwork.
Cartwheel
Often a standalone skill or part of a routine.
The cartwheel added flair to her floor routine.
Roundoff
A key component in tumbling sequences.
The routine began with a swift roundoff.
Cartwheel
Ends with the gymnast standing, often with one foot leading.
She concluded her cartwheel in a graceful stance.
Roundoff
(gymnastics) A move similar to a cartwheel but ending with the legs together and the gymnast facing in the opposite direction.
Cartwheel
A handspring in which the body turns over sideways with the arms and legs spread like the spokes of a wheel.
Roundoff
A roundoff (also called Arab(ian) Spring move) is a move in gymnastics similar to a cartwheel, except the gymnast lands with two feet placed together on the ground instead of one foot at a time, facing the direction of arrival. It is a gymnastic technique that turns horizontal speed into vertical speed and can be used to turn forward impulse from a run into backwards impulse.
Cartwheel
To execute a cartwheel.
Roundoff
(math) The act of rounding off a number.
Cartwheel
The literal wheel of a cart.
Cartwheel
A gymnastic maneuver whereby the gymnast rotates to one side or the other while keeping arms and legs outstretched, spinning for one or more revolutions.
Cartwheel
A crown coin; its value, 5 shillings.
Cartwheel
A silver dollar of the larger size produced before 1979.
Cartwheel
To perform the gymnastics feat of a cartwheel.
Cartwheel
To flip end over end: normally said of a crashing vehicle or aircraft.
The race car hit a bump and cartwheeled over the finish line.
Cartwheel
Do cartwheels: perform an acrobatic movement using both hands and feet
Cartwheel
The type of wheel used on a cart; it typically has wooden spokes and a metal rim.
Cartwheel
An acrobatic maneuver in which the arms and legs are outstretched like the spokes of a wheel, and the body is turned sideways through one or more revolutions, by first touching the hands and then the feet to the ground, in rapid succession so as to mimic the rolling of a wheel; in the course of this feat, the person performing it is alternately upright and upside-down.
Cartwheel
A silver dollar; a dollar made of silver.
Cartwheel
To perform a cartwheel{2}.
Cartwheel
A wheel that has wooden spokes and a metal rim
Cartwheel
Acrobatic revolutions with the body turned sideways and the arms and legs outstretched like the spokes of a wheel
Cartwheel
A dollar made of silver
Common Curiosities
Can a roundoff be used to initiate other gymnastics moves?
Yes, a roundoff is often used to gain momentum for complex aerial maneuvers in gymnastics.
Is a cartwheel considered an easier skill than a roundoff?
While individual difficulty varies, a cartwheel is generally considered more accessible due to its straightforward lateral rotation.
How does hand placement differ between a roundoff and a cartwheel?
In a roundoff, hands turn sideways for the half-turn; in a cartwheel, hands land sequentially in line with the motion.
What is the main difference between a roundoff and a cartwheel?
The main difference is the direction and purpose: a roundoff involves a half-turn leap for forward momentum, while a cartwheel rotates laterally for balance and control.
Why is a roundoff important in tumbling routines?
A roundoff is crucial for generating the necessary momentum and speed for subsequent skills in tumbling routines.
Can a cartwheel be performed without any running start?
Yes, a cartwheel typically begins from a standing position without the need for a running start.
What skills are necessary to master before attempting a roundoff?
Skills such as handstands, forward rolls, and a basic understanding of body control are essential foundations.
How do body positions differ between these two moves?
The roundoff ends in a forward-facing stance with feet together, while the cartwheel maintains a lateral position throughout.
What are the key techniques for executing a successful roundoff?
Key techniques include a strong push-off, precise hand positioning for the half-turn, and landing with both feet together.
Are there variations of cartwheels and roundoffs in gymnastics?
Yes, both skills can be modified or combined with other elements to create more complex and visually impressive routines.
How do gymnasts transition from a roundoff to another move?
Gymnasts use the forward momentum and landing position of the roundoff to seamlessly transition into the next move.
What safety precautions should be taken when learning these skills?
Proper supervision, use of mats, and learning basic gymnastics fundamentals are crucial for safety.
How does a cartwheel contribute to a gymnast's overall performance?
It showcases flexibility, balance, and technical skill, contributing to the artistic score in routines.
Can roundoffs and cartwheels be performed on apparatus besides the floor?
While primarily performed on the floor, skilled gymnasts may incorporate these elements on the beam or in vault run-ups.
What are common mistakes to avoid in performing a roundoff?
Common mistakes include improper hand placement, uneven push-off, and incorrect landing alignment.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Little vs. Tad
Next Comparison
Moderate vs. AndanteAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
